The Gifts of Reluctant Practice

This evening was one of those times when I hadn't done my daily yoga practice all day and just didn't feel like hitting the mat. But, I've learned that the times when I don't feel like hitting the mat are the times when I need to hit the mat. So here's the agreement I make with myself: I decide that I will show up on the mat for a certain specified amount of time. I can do a "full" practice or simply breathe and stay on the mat till the time has elapsed. Sometimes this translates into a very short period of asana and a very long sivasana. Doesn't matter what I do or don't do as long as I stay on the mat and return to the breath. Even if my mind is kicking and screaming the whole time during the practice period, the next day I'll just feel terrific:  calm, unreactive, steady, clear. The results aren't immediate, but they show up and they endure.