Tikanga for Pūāio / Yoga - your How and Why

We've all been there- good intentions to begin something new, to get healthy or support our wellbeing with yoga.

But what do you do when staying on the path seems like such a rocky, slippery path that you can barely see your way? Maybe you don't know where to begin, or you just can't find the motivation ?

To stay on the path, when there seem to be so many blocks along the way, either internally or when circumstances change, requires two main things:

1. Remembering your Why

2. Form a Habit and/or Ritual

   Both of these form the basis of Tikanga. Your Tikanga is formed by both your Why and your How.

I want to encourage you that a little can mean a lot in Pūāio / Yoga, there's no ONE right way to practice, and no shame in re-starting the journey.

I have been there many times! And I've learned to lean into my tikanga around practice, my why, and what it means for me, so I've been better able to sustain a meaningful practice for me.

That is what it really is about- your practice for you- your WHY.

Leaning in to your why can help you to stay on track, and your Tikanga - plan, practice and method can form from there.

🌿Tikanga means; the custom, habit, way, code, meaning, plan, practice and protocol, reason, purpose, motive. - according to the Te Aka Māori Dictionary. So in the context of practice - whether that is yoga or another practice you are embodying - Tikanaga can mean both your why to do something, as well as your method or technique.

Your Why can change over time. My why now is my wellbeing for myself, and for my mokopuna, and to be in alignment with those two things in my life.

As Yoga means Union - it means more than just being healthy or well. It means integration/ alignment and embodiment of the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of myself, so that I may be in alignment with not only myself, but also my whānau, mokopuna and tūpuna.

As for the How - for me, one thing that has stood the test of time, is to practice after my morning shower. A HABIT that is embedded now in my practice. Because I have created that ritual and small space in my day or week, I don't have to think about it too much, and it flows on from there.

It is not every day- there are always times when I can't practice because of time or events or simply being human...but I do try to do this at least twice a week.

This may be different to 'the how' others practice, and may not be considered the usual for many yoga practitioners - but it works for me and has meant I have been able to sustain a practice over several decades.

I don't always have a set plan on what I will practice either, except it could be around what I am working on at the time, what my body needs are, if I am healing physically, mentally or emotionally, the seasons, the moon phase, etc.

That may mean more focus on meditation, breathing, or on certain asana/ poses.

I am quite an intuitive practitioner and this is also similar to my teaching methodology. Like most teachers I teach in a way that resonates with me, but is not for me. So while not the same, personal and teaching practice do reflect on each other.

Teaching is concerned with what the students physically and/or mentally need, the season, moon phase, where we are in the programme, but often I go intuitively from there. I may have a theme or outline rather than a set in stone plan. It's possible because of my personal practice, trainings, and many years of teaching experience.

So if you're feeling a little lost and have wandered off your path, your journey has stalled and you simply can't find the way forward, take a deep breath, then a long exhale, let go of expectations and perfectionism, reflect on your Tikanga, and begin again.

One small step at a time.

Aroha nui

Linsey 🌿

P.S Need help getting back on track with your practice? Online courses can be a supportive way to take the next step.

Yoga for Calm offers short, simple videos that you can fit into your busy lifestyle. Gentle practices from beginner to experienced, and the option to take a guided deep relaxation, anytime you need. Find my online offerings HERE.