Falling in & out of love with your practice

Jill Amison • August 6, 2023

It's perfectly normal....Here's my recent experience

If I were to ask you how often you think I practice asana on my mat, what would you reply?
Every day?
Every other day?
Once per week?
What if I told you that sometimes I NEVER practice asana?
That there have been times when I have fallen out of love with my practice and simply didn't want to move in that way.
Sometimes for weeks at a time I haven't practiced. I've lost the faith and, quite honestly, found other ways of moving that were more enjoyable at that time....dancing, weights, hiking etc
I'm sure that many of us have done exactly this, and just because I teach, doesn't mean that I'm not human and take a little time out every now and again!
This being said however, I still have a daily Yoga practice....I sit every morning with my breath and meditate, and of course this is nourishing in and of itself and helps me stay (reasonably) grounded in the twists and turns of my life.

Last week I had a message from a student friend who is dealing with some health concerns and hasn't been in class for some time but she said that she still has found ways to practice.....Breath awareness on hospital visits, before a surgery and at bedtime when the wild horses of the mind are running rampant. Of course, that's is the point of our practice of course....That the YOGA sustains and supports us in all the experiences of our life. However, if we don't occasionally top up our tanks with these teachings and resources from practice we will loose our ability to connect to our Self and remember our Divinity.
One of my favourite teachers, Christina Sell, compares asana practice to money in the bank.....Each time we roll out our mat we make a deposit and it's those deposits that accumulate and we rely on when we take a break from practice.
So this is why we practice!!!!
We don't practice to master the poses or get 'good' at yoga. We practice to evolve, grow and know our selves better.
Of course repetition can get boring and, often, that is why we fall out of love with asana.

Staying the course, even when we don't want to practice takes motivation, faith, resiliency, patience and persistence.
The more we practice, the more money in the bank of course, and sometimes it is perfectly normal not to make a deposit for a few weeks.

So how do we do get back to making deposits when we've fallen out of love with our practice?
Here's my advice:

Roll out your mat and lie on it. Set a timer for 10 mins and connect to your breath. Listen and feel how your body would like to move and flow with that. Be in silence or pop on your favourite playlist (I have heaps on my Spotify that you can use!) and simply allow your practice to reveal itself to you from your intuition....This is what I have done this week and I am, once again, head over heels in love with my practice again!
Commit to a regular class. Even when you don't 'feel like it', I guarantee if you can get there you'll feel better afterwards and remember why you practice. This may even inspire you to roll out your mat at home!
Sit in nature for 10 mins and watch your breath. Let the fidgeting of the body mind come and go, but stay the course
Play your favourite dance track, let loose in your body and make some shapes (doesn't have to look like traditional asana!) Then sit in silence or lie, Savasana style, for a few minutes and attune to the wisdom of your body mind, resting in your breath.
Sit with your favourite mudra, mantra or breathwork for 5mins. The lethargy will shift!

Whatever your practice looks like..... Just practice making those small deposits!

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Navigating Conflict & Creating Healthy Boundaries on the Spiritual Path

By Jill Amison • January 13, 2025

Navigating Conflict and Creating Boundaries on the Spiritual Path Conflict is an uncomfortable yet inevitable part of life. As someone deeply immersed in the practice of yoga and spiritual growth, I’ve often found myself wrestling with how to navigate disagreements, especially of late, while staying true to my values. Yoga teaches us to ride the highs and lows of life with grace, but that doesn’t mean we always get it right. For me, conflict has been a difficult terrain to navigate, but over the years, I’ve learned to stand up for myself with right action—an approach deeply rooted in both Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Sitting with the Feeling Before Reacting One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of sitting with my emotions before reacting. The Buddhist principle of mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings without immediately acting on them. In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is faced with an internal struggle about going into battle. Krishna advises him not to avoid the conflict but to engage in it with wisdom and righteousness. Similarly, I’ve realised that avoidance doesn’t resolve conflict; rather, thoughtful engagement does. There have been times when I’ve failed at this—when I’ve reacted instead of responding with intention. But with practice, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and compose my words with clarity and without hostility. This is not always easy, especially when emotions run high, but it is essential for maintaining inner peace while asserting healthy boundaries. Boundaries: The Bridge Between Compassion and Self-Respect Brené Brown, in Atlas of the Heart, speaks about boundaries as an essential component of healthy relationships. She reminds us that we can agree to disagree, but boundaries help define what is and isn’t acceptable in our interactions. For instance: It’s okay that we have different beliefs, but it’s not okay to belittle mine. It’s okay that we are upset, but it’s not okay to yell or swear at each other. It’s okay to set limits, but it’s not okay to disregard or disrespect them. Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about protecting our own well-being while still allowing space for connection. They help us navigate relationships with integrity, ensuring that we can hold space for differing perspectives without compromising our values. Healthy Ways to Navigate Conflict on the Spiritual Path So how do we engage in conflict in a way that aligns with our spiritual practice? Here are a few approaches I’ve found helpful: Pause Before Responding – Take a breath, feel the emotions, and respond with intention rather than impulse. Practice Non-Violent Communication – Express needs and concerns without blame or aggression. Hold Compassion for Yourself and Others – Recognize that everyone is navigating their own struggles, and approach conflict with an open heart. Stand Firm in Your Truth – Speak your truth with clarity and confidence, knowing that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect. Accept Disagreements Without Forcing Resolution – Some conflicts may not have a perfect resolution, and that’s okay. Agreeing to disagree while maintaining respect is sometimes the best outcome. Know When to Walk Away – If the other person is unable or unwilling to communicate without crossing your boundaries, it may be necessary to disengage. Protecting your peace is just as important as standing your ground. This could mean ending the conversation, limiting contact, or, in extreme cases, removing yourself from the relationship altogether. Choosing to walk away is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your self-respect and emotional well-being. Navigating conflict is not about winning or proving a point; it’s about showing up authentically while maintaining inner peace. It’s about finding the balance between openness and self-protection. It’s a practice—one that, like yoga, requires patience, awareness, and a willingness to grow. As I continue on this journey, I remind myself that I won’t always get it right. But I can keep practicing, keep learning, and keep striving to meet conflict with wisdom and compassion. After all, the goal is not perfection but presence.