Show up to the mat.

Look, I'm all one for some cool insight.
But I am aware of how much a stretch "daily yoga helped me start my business" sounds.

But it did.

Up there is a post-it covered in stickers.
It's how I track my yoga practice - I hesitate to say 'daily' as that's not completely true - but I try my best to show up every day to the mat every day.

I've followed the Yoga calendars.
Done the random spin and pick.
Searched key words for what I felt I needed on that day.

On the good days - you feel great.
On the average days - it's 20 minutes that you know is good for you.
On the bad days - you still get a sticker anyway.'
On the worst days - you definitely need it the most.

I'd decided to start this practice this year as I've always been inconsistent with yoga.
I'm a big example of 'tries it for a week and then has to give up because something else comes along'.
I realised the habits I had built which stuck were the ones I did every. single. day.
(or at least plan to and keep coming back to)
The difference being  -

you get back on the horse the next day.

Yes, it's nice for exercise and a moment of calm each day.
I've done it solely for those separate purposes in the past.
But the practice undeniably soaks into the rest of your lifestyle.

I started to notice I was building mental stamina in the face of stress.
I was staying calmer in a crisis's and I was starting to believe more in my own abilities off the mat.
​The world looks different in downward facing dog.

I make 0 claims to be actually good at it either.

I've been fitter.
I've been stronger.
And I've been more flexible in the past.
But what I couldn't do was stay consistent.
And that's the part that is more important to me now.

I'd like to add that your reasons are your reasons and they are perfectly dandy indeed.
​I'm not judging here.
I use Adriene because I love her nature and vibe, it's nice to tune in each day for the familiarity - you use whomever or no one - that's up to you.

So what the heck has it got to do with an art business?
Well it's that 'soaking into the rest of your life' part.
Those hard practices, new moves, consistency, gritting and breathing though bad moods, looking at things upside down, turning up every day even no one is checking.
Yep.
All of that is really useful when you're being your own boss.

Knowing your own expectations of yourself.
Being kind when you fall short of them.
And getting up the next day to do it again.

So I'm going to keep going with both.
And I'll either see you on the mat - or in the studio - same difference pal.

2018 - Grand Canyon.

"The Mat"

"The Studio"