
My teacher, Ante, would speak a lot about “the drip effect”, about how one drop of water falling on stone consistently, and over time, will completely transform that stone; ie, it will bore a hole right through. That is how we see the impact of consistent practice. So often I hear, “I go to Yoga once a week but nothing happens.” Indeed. Just like doing one bicep curl a week will do nothing to change the shape and functionality of the arm.
Transformation occurs when we come to steady, consistent practice. Very few want to hear this but it’s true. Better to do 15 or 20 minutes of something most days of the week than to power through 75 minutes only once. That 15 or 20 minutes, or even 20 minutes split into two 10 minute practices, will act as the drop of water that, over time, has the potential to change everything.
Desikachar writes,
“There will always be a tendency to start practice with enthusiasm and energy, and a desire for sudden results. But the continuing pressures of everyday life and the enormous resistance of the mind encourages us to succumb to human weaknesses. All this is understandable, we all have these tendencies. (Yoga Sutra 1.14) emphasizes the need to approach practice soberly with a positive, self-disciplined attitude and with a long-term view toward eventual success.“
Success, however you define it, is possible. My hope is that you allow the “drip” of the practice into your life. May you be transformed in ways you never thought possible. May potential you never even knew you had come to the surface and manifest in this world.
And if you need some support getting there, I am always here. Please feel free to touch base through the Contact page.
Wishing you all the best in Life and Practice,
Tabitha
I have posted Desikachar’s quote in front of my face, in the hope that this most important message finally gets through to me!!