Set a realistic goal.  

Starting small and having success helps build confidence to go further.

Create a dedicated practice space for yoga.  Keep your props out and visible – it’s like leaving out a welcome mat inviting you in.

Practice at a regular time – Consistency plants the seeds for regular practice.

“Consider that you can commit to as little as five minutes/day.  The highest form of discipline is consistentcy: powerful transformation can come from regularity.” ~ Judith Hanson Lasater, 30 Essential Yoga Poses: For Beginning Students and Their Teachers.

Overcome Laziness.  The hardest part is beginning.  BKS Iyengar is known to have said that the most difficult asana is unfolding the mat, and it’s true!  Tips to overcome laziness:

• Imagine the lightness/relaxation and contentedness you will feel at the end of your practice. Use your past experience as inspiration.
• Commit to doing just 3 poses – then see how you feel.  Most of the time, you will feel inspired to do more.  If not, well at least you did three!

Hang a practice sequence on your wall.

Sometimes the obstacle is knowing where to start and how to proceed, having a sequence as your guide is like having a road map.

Read an Inspirational Quote – Not only will you feel inspired, this helps by setting an intention and awakens a higher aspect of self.

Keep it Interesting and Enjoyable

• Take one thing from a recent class – could be a focus on legs, shoulders or an instruction that has been useful and explore this further in your practice.  For example in each asana explore what happens when you focus on lengthening fully your upper arms.  What changes do you notice?
• Take one pose that is challenging to you and include it as part of a daily routine – see what you learn from this.
• Pay attention to how a sequence builds in a class – warming up, aiming towards more challenging pose, cooling down, inversions and rest.