Slogan #46

Pay Heed that the Three Never Wane

Reflection:

There have been many times over the last decade where my yoga practice or journaling has faltered. Missed entries often reflected difficult periods in my life where writing felt impossible. This slogan reminds me to notice when inspiration fades, when life gets in the way, and when the most important parts of my day are left undone.

What brings me back? For me, it’s the deepening awareness of how my body moves in this world. Lethargy, depression, and retreating into the safety of my own space are signs that I’m lessening my movement within my surroundings, causing my body to slow down. The inspiration has always been curiosity—why my left hip aches, my right knee hurts, or why I feel insatiable hunger. This connection with my body, and the disconnect that sometimes happens, is what draws me back.

It's important to stay devoted to the practice, to make it a daily part of my life. I appreciate the journey that I have chosen, or that life has chosen for me, and I strive to build discipline. Each time I do something I don’t want to do, it strengthens my anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making. Knowing this motivates me to persist, even when it’s challenging. By paying heed that the three—teacher, teachings, and practice—never wane, I ensure that my path remains clear and my commitment strong. This practice keeps me grounded, curious, and connected to my body and my life, even during the toughest times