Back to Yoga: Recommitting to Your Practice
As summer winds down and fall routines begin, the season invites us to reconnect—with rhythm, structure, and most importantly, with our yoga practice. Just like sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks symbolize new beginnings, the transition from summer to fall offers a natural moment to reset and recommit to the mat.
The Energy of the Season
In Ayurveda, summer is governed by Pitta, the fiery energy of action, drive, and sometimes burnout. As we move into fall, Vata takes over—air and ether energy marked by transition, change, and instability. Establishing supportive routines during this shift can help balance excess movement and restore a sense of grounding.
This back-to-school energy isn’t just for kids. It’s an opportunity for anyone to reestablish habits that nurture stability, focus, and inner calm.
Why We Drift Away from Practice
Life inevitably pulls us away from the mat—busy schedules, travel, parenting, burnout, global events, or simply lack of motivation. Sometimes shame or guilt compounds the absence, making it harder to return. But yoga is always waiting. No matter if it’s been two weeks or two years, the practice welcomes you back without judgment.
Instead of dwelling on what’s been missed, focus on the gift of returning. Re-entry is an act of courage, not failure.
Rekindling the Spark
To find your way back, start by asking: Why did I first come to yoga? What did the practice give you then—and what do you need now? Your needs may shift over time. Perhaps you crave the physicality of vinyasa, the stillness of restorative yoga, or the inward focus of meditation. Allow yourself to pivot and follow what feels nourishing.
Tips for Returning to the Mat
Start small: Even five minutes of sun salutations, meditation, or breathwork can reset your rhythm.
Revisit a favorite teacher or style: Familiarity can make reentry comforting and fun.
Set up a dedicated space: Create a corner at home with candles, music, or props that inspires regular practice.
Track your journey: Use a yoga journal to reflect before and after practice. Reflection deepens learning and strengthens commitment.
Try something new: A workshop, playlist, or teacher training can reignite joy and curiosity.
Yogic Philosophy for Recommitment
Two core teachings offer guidance in this season of recommitment:
Tapas: the inner fire and devotion to keep showing up, even when it feels difficult.
Abhyasa and Vairagya: consistent practice with enthusiasm (abhyasa) balanced by non-attachment to results (vairagya). Together, they encourage us to value the process over the outcome.
Ways to Recommit Right Now
Schedule classes like appointments—treat practice with the same importance as work or family commitments.
Join a studio challenge or community event for accountability and connection.
Sign up for teacher training if you feel ready for a deeper commitment to your path. Explore True Love Yoga’s Yoga Teacher Training programs here.
Create a home ritual with props, playlists, or online classes. True Love Yoga offers a robust virtual library.
Set a monthly theme or goal such as balance, strength, surrender, or joy. Focus on intention as much as achievement.
An Open Invitation
Wherever you are in your journey, know this: you are always welcome back to the mat. There is no shame, only open arms and the opportunity to begin again.
This fall, ask yourself: What’s one small step I can take today to recommit to my practice?
Explore more practices and reflections at True Love Yoga and Deepen Your Yoga Practice.
