I've been thinking a lot about this recently. In that to progress with something you need to embrace the process. I would go as far as say 'enjoy' the process even if it's challenging or out of your comfort zone. Being present to the process is as important, maybe even more so than the end result.
If your 'goal' or 'intention' is about an end result, for example be a stone lighter, be able to do a handstand, or create a brilliant piece of art then we are maybe missing something. In today's society it's very easy to have intention overload. Phrases like 'live your best life', or be an 'improved you', perhaps suggests we're looking for happiness outside ourselves.
I'm not suggesting there is anything wrong with wanting improvement, far from it. But not at the cost of appreciating who we are now. This is down to making a start and 'embracing the journey'. At the end of the day it's down to us.
The process will often require effort or discipline. In yoga this is Tapas which is the 3rd Niyama, one of the ethical codes from the Yoga Sutras. Tapas is fire and means to keep the heat on, or a burning enthusiasm, implying too that it is hard work.
The world of yoga has become very commercial and there's lots of money being made. In London especially, there are so many yoga studios, classes, teachers and options. If you're a beginner it must be very difficult, knowing where to start.
Developing a yoga practice takes time and commitment. The word yoga means joining together. Through the practice, or process, it shapes how you live your life and share with others. It's much more than being able to perform difficult poses. (Although there are many humbling lessons we can learn from these too.)
I believe that it doesn't matter how or where you learn. What is important is 'the process' or 'the practice'. I would always suggest to try different options to find a teacher you like and trust, so that you can enjoy 'the process', even when it's difficult or you struggle to fit it in.
I'll refer back to the Bhagavad Gita again and one of the main messages about being present to the journey and not the end result. And it says 'do your duty'. This is the work, this is the process, this is the effort.
I wish you all well on your own journeys, whether it's with yoga, training or learning any new skill. I hope you can enjoy the process. The process is the progress. Read that again.
Namaste
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