Motivation: Through Yoga: A Deeper Look
Have you ever felt highly motivated one day and completely drained the next? We’ve all been there. Motivation often feels like a wave…..rising with excitement and crashing when challenges appear. However Yoga offers a different perspective. Instead of chasing motivation, what if we cultivated it from within?
As a yoga teacher, it is a challenge for me also, to stay motivated. Its not like I want to practice asanas everyday and I am eager to get on the mat. There are times when I want to chill at home and binge watch the series that everyone is talking about. I would love to snack at that new joint around the corner and just want to switch off from Yoga for a while. But how much I try it just never happens. There is never a day when yoga doesn’t come across my mind. Its just so deeply engraved in me now. Yoga for me isn’t just in the studio or on the mat doing asanas. It is beyond physical exercises.
So, redirecting to today’s topic, what keeps me going…? Let’s discuss a little here.
Relying on Willpower vs. Cultivating Inner Energy
Most people think motivation is about willpower—pushing harder, setting bigger goals. But let’s be honest: willpower fades. That’s because it often comes from Rajas (Activity)—the fiery, restless energy that drives action but also burns out quickly. On the other hand, Sattva (Awareness) the quality of balance and clarity, creates steady motivation. When we practice yoga, meditate, and breathe mindfully, we nurture Sattva, allowing motivation to become a natural state rather than something we have to force.
Now that’s a great way to look at motivation as be self motivated. Isn’t it….? But how do we keep that fire burning. That desire for Yoga practice….?
Tapas: The Inner Fire That
Keeps You Going
Ever noticed how the hardest part of yoga is just getting on the mat or just reaching your yoga studio….? But once you start, something shifts. That’s Tapas—self-discipline, or the inner fire that keeps us going even when we don’t “feel” like it. The Yoga Sutras remind us that consistency, even in small ways, builds this fire. It’s not about dramatic bursts of effort but about showing up every day, whether in our yoga practice or life goals.
Now the question arises….is motivation really helping me reach my goal if I am consistent in my practice….?
Let’s say…..What If We Let Go of the Outcome? Oh No…..I mean we all have goals in life and only the goals keeps us motivated to our practice.
Here’s a thought: What if motivation isn’t about getting somewhere but about enjoying the journey? The Bhagavad Gita speaks about Nishkama Karma—acting without attachment to results. When we stop fixating on outcomes, we actually work with more passion and energy. Think about your practice—when you let go of the pressure to achieve a perfect pose, doesn’t it feel lighter? The same applies to life.
Breath: The Magical and Simplest Motivation Booster
Ever feel sluggish and unmotivated? Before blaming yourself, check your breath. When our breath is shallow, our energy drops. Yogic practices like Bhastrika (bellows breath) and Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) instantly reset the mind, bringing clarity and vitality. Sometimes, all we need is a few deep breaths to shift from lethargy to action.
The Takeaway?
Motivation is a Practice
Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, yoga teaches us to cultivate it—through clarity, discipline, detachment, and breath. Some days will be easier than others, but if we keep showing up, motivation stops being a struggle and becomes a way of life.
So, what’s one small step you can take today to fuel your inner fire?
P.S. Feel free to share your thoughts and comments.
With gratitude and light,
The YogArt Studios🍃
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