Tikanga - 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 rocky or you can barely see your way? Maybe you don't know where to begin, or you just can't seem to find the right moment to start.

There really is no right time to start, and to stay on the path, there are always times when you will experience blocks- either internally or when circumstances around you change, but two things can help keep you on your journey-

1. Remembering your Why

2. Forming a Habit or Ritual ( Your How )

   In te reo Māori there is a word that means both of these things - it's Tikanga. Both of these two things together form the basis of Tikanga.

   Your personal yoga practice 'Tikanga' is created by both your Why and your How.

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 how, which has helped me to sustain a meaningful practice.

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. Reflect on your why from time to time, it is likely to change as life changes, your grow, your whānau changes and so on.

My Why now is my wellbeing, and for my mokopuna, and to be in alignment with the things that matter to me in my life. You need to fill your well- your puna, to be able to drink from it, to be able to have something to offer others.

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 self, so that we are in alignment with not only ourselves, but also whānau, mokopuna, tūpuna, te taiao, ngā Atua or whatever it is that has meaning for you.

As for the How - creating A HABIT that is embedded in your daily routine will stand the test of time. For me because I have created that habit/ 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.

I don't always have a set plan on what I will practice, 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 each other.

Teaching is concerned with what the students physically and/or mentally need, or are seeking - knowing your students needs is so important -but intuition, and knowing what you teach and why is also important.

So if you're feeling a little lost and may have wandered off your path, or you simply can't seem to 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 are 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. Or practice live with me online on Tuesday nights - Find all my online offerings HERE.