Abhyasa and Vairagya: The Balance of Effort and Ease
In yoga and in life, we are constantly invited to dance between two forces—Abhyasa (discipline, practice, effort) and Vairagya (surrender, letting go, acceptance). These complementary teachings, rooted in Yoga Sutra 1.12, remind us that “the fluctuations of the mind are stilled through practice and non-attachment.”
Finding harmony between these two energies can be one of life’s greatest lessons—and one of yoga’s most powerful gifts.
All or Nothing: A Lesson in Balance
For many years, I lived in extremes—either all in or completely out. I’d throw myself into something with passion, burn out, and then withdraw entirely. This cycle made it hard to trust myself, maintain relationships, or build consistency.
But through yoga—and time, maturity, and humility—I found steadiness. I learned that progress isn’t about intensity; it’s about presence, patience, and balance. By embodying Abhyasa and Vairagya, I discovered how to live somewhere between the “one” and the “ten”—a steady, sustainable seven.
Understanding the Two Wings of Practice
Abhyasa: Discipline and Devotion
Abhyasa is consistent, committed effort. It’s showing up—again and again—with devotion and curiosity, even when you don’t feel like it.
On the mat, Abhyasa looks like:
Rolling out your mat regularly, no matter your mood.
Breathing through discomfort.
Staying focused, attentive, and kind toward yourself.
Off the mat, it looks like:
Reconnecting to your why when motivation fades.
Practicing self-study (Svadhyaya) and resilience.
Acting in alignment with your highest self, even in small daily choices.
Abhyasa builds strength, integrity, and self-trust.
Vairagya: Surrender and Softness
Vairagya balances Abhyasa. It teaches us to release attachment—to outcomes, achievements, or control—and to trust the unfolding of life.
On the mat, Vairagya means:
Letting go of perfection.
Meeting your body as it is that day.
Finding playfulness in effort—joy without grasping.
Off the mat, it means:
Releasing identity around productivity or success.
Surrendering to timing and trusting what’s beyond your control.
Softening your grip on how things “should” be.
We show up fully, and then we let go.
Practice and Surrender in Daily Life
Abhyasa and Vairagya are like two wings of a bird—we need both to fly. Effort without surrender leads to burnout. Surrender without effort leads to stagnation. Together, they create grounded grace.
We see these teachings echoed across wisdom traditions:
“Do your best and let God do the rest.”
The Serenity Prayer: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can…”
Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory: releasing control over others and focusing instead on your own energy and choices.
Ask yourself:
🌿 Where can I show up with more devotion?
🌿 Where can I soften my grip and trust?
🌿 How might my life change if I practiced both effort and ease?
Living the Teachings in 2026
As I step into 2026, these concepts are at the heart of my offerings at True Love Yoga. My intention is to live—and teach—this balance between discipline and surrender through every class, training, and workshop I lead.
Weekly Practice: Abhyasa
A 90-minute full-spectrum Sunday practice featuring dynamic sun salutations, a set Hatha sequence, optional hands-on assists, pranayama, and meditation. Repetition builds mastery, consistency, and confidence while meeting you exactly where you are.
Quarterly Clinics: The Art of Practice
Focused posture clinics where we break down key asanas with detailed alignment, anatomy, and assists to help you refine your craft.
Quarterly Workshop: Vairagya
A yin and myofascial release experience combined with Yoga Nidra—an invitation to fully release tension, rest deeply, and restore the nervous system.
Monthly Flow: Lila (Play)
A creative vinyasa class celebrating joy, curiosity, and exploration—an embodiment of flow and freedom.
And of course, my 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings return in 2026, both deeply rooted in these teachings of effort, surrender, and self-study.
The Practice of a Lifetime
Abhyasa and Vairagya are not just ideas—they are practices that guide us toward maturity, mastery, and peace. They remind us that we can show up with full presence and trust that what’s meant for us will unfold.
When we balance doing and being, striving and surrendering, we find the sweet spot of yoga—on the mat, in our relationships, and in the rhythm of life itself.
✨ Show up. Let go. Repeat. ✨
For more inspiration and upcoming class details, visit True Love Yoga or explore more episodes of Deepen Your Yoga Practice.
Om Shanti, Om Peace.
