In the Mood

If you've lost the desire to practice, these ideas will help rekindle your passion for yoga.

By Laurel Kallenbach

Once you've identified the reasons behind your yogic discontent, it's time to devote yourself to change. Here is an array of ideas for when you're feeling blasé about your practice but want to renew your commitment:

1. Begin with easy, comfortable poses. "When you first coax yourself into regular practice, choose only asanas you're wholeheartedly willing to do," recommends Joyce Anue, who teaches in Los Gatos, California. "Start small and simple until you're energized enough to go forward with more difficult poses."

2. Set attainable goals. Make a small commitment—15 minutes of daily practice or attending class three times per week—and stick to it. Write down your intention to devote yourself more fully to yoga, and tell your friends. "By voicing your commitment, you have a better chance of making good on your promise," Anue says.

3. Listen to your body. If you pay attention, your body will tell you what it needs and will help you come to a place of balance and harmony.

4. Find a teacher—or add a new one. A good, encouraging teacher can help motivate you. While seeking a teacher, try new forms of yoga. A switch in styles might give you a needed lift.

5. Shake up the sequence. Play with the types of postures and the order in which you do them. "Flip around your practice every so often for variety," suggests Norian. "Sometimes I do a vigorous set of postures, but other times I do gentle yoga."

6. Friendship is stronger than willpower. To keep your yoga sessions from sliding, make yoga dates on a regular basis.

7. Experiment with new props. Borrow or buy new yoga videos to experience a different teacher's style. Physio-balls, chair swings, or other yoga gadgets can also add novelty, learning, and inspiration. "New toys are fun and stimulating," says Enright. "But spending money on devices you never use could actually cool your enthusiasm," she warns.

8. Practice deliberately and with awareness. Ironically, focusing more on breath than on outward form will deepen the physical alignment of your poses.

9. Use space to anchor your home practice. Set aside a quiet, clean, permanent place just for yoga. If you practice in the same spot, that space will absorb the energy of your practice, making it easier for you to remain centered and motivated.

10. Challenge yourself. If you're frustrated because you've reached a physical plateau, ask your teacher to help you move to the next level. Shake yourself out of the comfort zone when you feel stale. "If I resist certain postures, one day I'll make a sequence entirely from those I avoid," says Strom. "It's a real kick in the pants because you face what you've been avoiding, including your emotional reaction to these particular asanas."

11. Create a private altar. Place candles, meaningful objects and photos of spiritual teachers in a shrine, then practice or meditate in front of it. An altar reminds you of your intention and heightens awareness.

12. Use music to motivate you. "I play inspirational chanting music—loudly—or African drumming or progressive jazz to get me out of a slump," admits Norian. A stimulating beat can enhance your energy, whereas meditative music can induce calm.

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