Grace, I go through this quite often. The only justification I can think of is Newton's second law of motion i.e. "every body continues in its state of rest or uniform motion unless it is acted upon by an external unbalanced force.". It's this 'external unbalanced force' that does the trick & so we must somehow ensure that it's always there. :)

Any thoughts on this?

On a side note, I have been contemplating reintroducing Yoga into my lifestyle, albeit this time for ever. psst! :)

I am planning to do it on my own (I have had several trysts with Yoga before so that should not be an issue). I wish to know which are the basic asanas/ mudras/ etc that someone pressed for time should compulsively include in the daily Yoga routine.

Also, what are the general dos & don'ts for getting maximum benefit like the best time of the day etc? Thanks in advance, Grace & everyone who chooses to address this query. :)

Hello Grace and Soaring Spirit,

I'm not sure what the resistance is, perhaps it's our past conditioning? I know that once I get into the habit of doing it everyday, then it is not difficult for me to just do it on a routine basis. It's like getting up in the morning and brushing my teeth and washing my face or taking a shower. Of course there are days when I would skip a yoga practice or a meditation session, and that's okay because I know I will get back into my daily practice again.

SoaringSpirit, regarding the basic yoga asanas, I would say, first listen to what your body is telling you and then go with it. I usually start with swinging my arms from side to side, and then easily tap my body, arms and legs using my fists. This helps to loosen up my body before I go into the more deeper body bends. Then, depending on how you feel, you can go into the Moon Salutation, then the Sun Salutation, the Butterfly pose, the Seated Forward Bend, the Spinal Twist, Wind Relieving Pose, Bridge, Savasana, etc. I usually practice in the morning and evening before meditation. Be sure to rest for at least 10 minutes in Savasana at the end of Yoga. Never practice yoga or meditation after a big meal. So, practice before breakfast and dinner. Enjoy!

Best regards,
M:)

I have the exact same struggles lately. I think it's seasonal.

It is very weird isn't it. It's like when you are a kid and you don't want to take a bath even though every time you do you love it.

Could part of the reason be that because we are so often bombarded by 'shoulds' (or 'you gotta do this, you gotta do that') that we rebel against our own wants? For one situation that we do have complete control of is in denying ourselves things we will do for ourselves, or not do to ourselves.

Realizing this comes in handy when cultivating compassion: The addict deals with this stuff only ten, hundred, thousand fold.

Probably part of ridding this resistance is to realize also that the "you shoulds" from others are often over dramatized, and unrecognized as false, by us. I find telling myself that when it comes down to it all I really have to do is eat and go to the bathroom. That cuts myself some slack and seems to lessen tension and let things happen has they may. Ebb and flow are part of life. I will do yoga again, and everyday, when I do it. I have noticed that lately I no long feel like having a Little Debbie cake that I grab at a morning coffee stop. Two months ago I would have pushed strangers out of the way to get to one. (Good rule in life: If you don't feel like a donut, it's best not to force yourself)

Also, when the dust clears, real "have to's" will emerge and help you if you take the positive route. Like the 5 feet of snow that I 'have to' shovel off my roof. Just when I thought I was finally settling in to the leisurely life of couch, movies, internet,ect: Forced exercise!

Hey M, thanks for that info. I like your idea of perceiving Yoga as something as unavoidable as brushing teeth or taking a shower. I hope I remember this every morning. ;)

Btw, I found this on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyvpKqw2bDI
I hope to take off with this, finishing the session with Shavasana i.e. the corpse pose. What do you think of this?

SoaringSpirit - I tend to agree with MarthD regarding your personal yoga practice, "first listen to what your body is telling you and then go with it." When I do yoga on my own, I focus on my own chronic body issues (my lower back, right hip, hip flexors, etc.).

Pressed for time? Another good one! Why are we always pressed for time, it seems?

Hi Grace,

I know this resistance. I think it's like the invisible beasts in the movie the Spiderwick Chronicles. Beasts lurking beyond the veil and feeding on old patterns. Beasts that do not want to be destroyed and therefore hold tight to their toxic territory. It feels like an alchemical battle of light and dark. Victory for me is balance and not tipping too far one side or the other. In the movie a circle of protection kept the beasts out. How do I/we restore and infuse a nice round and full circle personally and collectively? How do we become orbs of light?

Trish~~

perhaps that is simply what it really is...just resistance...

resistance that trys to make up a story about a separate 'me'...

perhaps..;-)
love, Carolyn

SoaringSpirit, I cannot access the video. But, whatever you do, I'm sure it will be okay for you. Just do it.
Best, M:)