Three signs for my yoga practice

I've always been the type of person where I need to do something fully.

 

Back during my marathon running days I would run at minimum five miles a day. Anything less than that not only wasn't good enough but just wasn't worth it from a time pov. I don't know how or why I got that stuck in my head but I did. I would always schedule 90 minute break for my lunch hour; this allowed for a 5-10 mile run, plus shower, and time to grab my lunch and head off to my next meeting. This was normal and was able to easily maintain this schedule five days a week. I had many running friends and I work at a company that encourages some form a physical activity anytime during the working day. So when I transitioned from being a runner to an ashtangi I kept this same thinking. I must do my full practice! In the US I was able to manage my schedule rather well so that rarely did I ever do a shortened practice.

 

Well that has all changed. I'm living in the UK with a completely different life and I'm struggling to find time for my daily full ashtanga practice. Having to settle for three to five practices a week. Of course, I take full responsibility for this. I have had to prioritize other aspects of my life above my practice; it hasn't been easy. And unfortunately I haven't been able to shift my 'all or nothing' thinking to my yoga practice.

 

Sign one.
Last night before I turned into bed I was talking to D about all of this and he reminded me that I'm no lesser of a person and that I shouldn't be so hard on myself. It's all about balance. And that having some down time (means - relax) is also essential to the body and mind. This coming from the most disciplined person I know (he's a musician and practices hours and hours a day, scales, scales, scales and then more exercises, etc).

Sign two.
Before turning in I decided to read a bit from the Guruji book. I read the interview with David Swenson and in it he said a few things that just hit home.  I wish I had the book in front of me - but I'm at work. Essentially it was about life doesn't always allow us to do our full practice and that it is equally important to be able to go through your daily life (work, interaction with others, grocery shopping, etc) as a yogi. And that getting on your mat for just 5 A's and 5 B's is good.

Sign three.
I read CK's blog this morning and today's posting reads:
     SHORTENED HOME PRACTICE FOR ASTHANGIs
       For when there isn’t enough time for a full practice

So there I have it - three signs in less than 24 hours.
I definitely need to change my 'all or nothing' frame of mind.