Flexibility vs. Consistency

Flexibility and Consistency. These are 2 topics that I find myself talking about a lot as a yoga teacher!

By flexibility, I don’t exactly mean the ability to touch your toes, do the splits, or otherwise bend without breaking! But rather, the idea that you have a willingness to change or compromise.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s website:

Flexibility = the ability to be easily modified; capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements

Consistency = degree of firmness or resistance to movement or separation; harmony of conduct or practice

At first glance, these seem like they would oppose one another. Where flexibility might look like going with the flow, consistency might look more like being set on a routine and sticking to it. However when you think more about this, these work together to create balance and harmony in many ways!

And both flexibility and consistency relate to the practice of yoga. Part of the 8 limbs of yoga philosophy (Yoga Sutra) is the concept of “non-attachment”. In the yoga texts, this is known as aparigraha, and means not holding onto outcomes. By remaining flexible and open to experiences and what is to come, you can save yourself some stress and upset when things seem to stray off course or into a different direction, which inevitably happens at some point!

Another essential element of yoga is santosha, or contentment. This is the ability to remain at peace with where you are and what is happening in your life, and as you can imagine can feel very difficult during times of stress and struggle. However, staying flexible and open, knowing that things will pass and you will come out on the other side, brings a sense of ease and ability to move through the tough stuff.

By consistently practicing these concepts of non-attachment to outcomes and contentment with what is, it gets easier and more natural with time and you can become less reactive and overwhelmed from day to day. Reminding yourself to be mindful and present requires awareness of your thoughts, emotions, mind, and physical body (where do you feel tension within?) This only gets easier and achievable with daily practice!

This practice is fueled by our heat, or energy, which in these 8 limbs is known as tapas. Directing our energy to showing up consistently for ourselves and our practice, whether it’s for 10 minutes of movement or 5 minutes of seated deep breathing, honors where you are in that moment. Committing to practicing consistently gives you the chance to listen for what you need for better health, wellness, and harmony.

Something I would like you to think about is, how can you be more flexible AND consistent in your daily life. Can you think of times when you have had to shift or pivot and let go of the outcome if things didn’t go as planned? Did it throw you off course or were you able to adapt and keep showing up?

Let me know if you have been inspired to get more consistent with your yoga practice, while staying emotionally, mentally, and physically flexible along the way!

❤ Christie