Back to School

When I was thinking about what we could focus on in my classes during September, even though my little ones are now big ones and no longer in school, it feels like it is in my dna, this shift in focus with the move into September. We turn away from holidays and down time, shifting up a gear and back into work or school. It feels like a time to get stuff done.

I have long been wanting to read two books I have on my shelves called Atomic Habits by James Clear and Outlive by Dr Peter Attia. I have for many years now been focused intently on my business and studio - and so I should. It is after all the biggest project of my life and one that I am most proud of. But now it feels to me, like I too need to ‘go back to school’. To refocus some of my energies into my own body and mind. I am not sure how I am going to make the changes or what they are, but when I looked at the teachings of yoga one concept jumped out at me. One that said, like James Clear, that I need to make small changes consistently. And that is Abhyāsa.

Pronounced : uhb-HYEAH-suh

This, like other philosophical sanskrit words, is a compound word made up of meaningful parts. When broken down it reveals deeper layers of meaning to enrich our understanding of the term.

abhi = towards, near, intensely, repeatedly

as = to sit, to stay, to abide, to dwell

a = a grammatical ending to form a noun, denoting ‘the state of’ or ‘practice of’

Put together Abhyāsa literally means : “Repeated dwelling near” or “Intense, consistent presence towards something”. Or put another way - The steady, devoted practice of returning again and again to what matters

In the context of the Yoga Sutras, especially Sutra 1.13: “Tatrar sthitau yatno abhyāsah’, it’s about sustained effort towards stabilising the mind - the core of all yoga practice.

So in class this month, we are going to explore the concept of Abhyāsa - the steady effort of showing up with sincerity, again and again. In the Sutras, Patanjali tells us that Abhyāsa, when sustained over a long time and done with heart becomes the foundation of transformation. It’s not about perfection or performance - but about consistency, devotion and presence. As summer fades and we settle into new rhythms, our mat becomes a place to root back into ourselves, moment by moment, breath by breath

The concept of Abhyāsa is echoed in modern philosphy, neuroscience, creative arts, athletics and personal development. Some examples of contemporary teachings and philosophies:

• Neuroscience and Neuroplasticity: “Neurons that fire together wire together” - Donald Herb, psychologist.Modern neuroscience shows that consistent practice reshapes the brain. When learning a new skill or habit, the brain adapts to repetition - just like Abhyāsa.

• James Clear: Atomic Habits. “You do not rise to the levels of your goals. You fall the level of your systems’. James teaches that small habits, repeated daily, compound over time into profound change. His focus on systems and showing up consistently mirrors Abhyāsa.

• The 1% Rule & Kaizen. “Get 1% better every day”. Found in productivity, business and sports psychology - focuses on marginal gains. Change doesn’t come from giant leaps but tiny steady improvements applied regularly. Abhyāsa in action

• Creative Practice. “In order to create, we must first quiet the inner critic - and that takes practice” : Julia Camerons The Artists Way . Like stepping onto your mat regardless of mood.

• Mindfulness & Mental Health. Regular meditation journaling or breathwork helps regulate the nervous system. But only when practiced soncsistently. Therapist and mental health caches often speak of resilience through rhythm. Which is another way of saying Abhyāsa.

Lasting change isn’t build in big moments - it’s built in the quiet consistency of returning again and again to what matters.

Come and join me this month to make those little consistent changes that add up to much bigger things!

Much Love Stef x