When to skip practice?
6 days a week
Tradition in Ashtanga Yoga suggests practicing 6 days a week with a rest day on moon days (new and full). This is meant to foster discipline, physical and mental endurance, among other reasons.
Sadhana
When I started, I was told by my first teacher, Mark Darby, to practice more often. He never mentioned the “6 days a week” guideline, but he made it clear that I should be practicing as often as I could. That consistency in my practice was absolutely key. And I agree. It’s a sadhana; a disciplined and dedicated practice. Ultimately, practice should not be about you anymore. When we make it an offering, the struggle and the expectation soften. Showing up on the mat gets easier.
Just Do It
So, feeling like practicing… or not… is not really the point. Unless you are unwell physically, or life is throwing you a curveball, you should make your way to your mat and follow the sequence. Don’t ask yourself what you want to do; just do it. Follow your breath; it will guide you on when to stop. Use your discernment to make necessary modifications or to skip practice that day. Just ensure you are clear about your reasons for doing so.
Movie Sets
I used to work as a boom operator on film sets in Montréal. The job was physically demanding, with long hours and a lifestyle that felt all-consuming. During my off-season, I enjoyed months of dedicated practice. However, when shooting began, I struggled to maintain that routine. Waking up at 4 a.m. made it impossible to practice before work, and limiting my practice to weekends wasn’t sustainable either.
So, I adapted. I began bringing my mat to set, finding a quiet spot during lunch breaks—often in the most unusual locations. I dedicated 40 minutes to practice and saved 20 minutes for eating and digesting. While I skipped the camaraderie of lunch with the crew, believe me when I say EVERYONE on set benefited from that short practice.
David Swenson Helpful Hint
I’m going to close this short post with a quote from David Swenson in his Helpful Hint Cards:
“Regulate your practice. Create a pattern of practice that you may maintain on a regular basis. It is better to practice 3 days per week for a year than to practice 6 days a week for a month and then nothing for another month. Stay regulated and the benefits will accrue.”