Is Daily Practice Important?
Recently, a student asked me if I believed in the importance of daily practice. My response was immediate: it depends.
I believe it varies based on what you're doing. When it comes to a movement practice, I lean towards diversifying your modalities. Mixing yoga with weightlifting, brisk walks or runs, hiking, swimming, golf, pickleball, gardening, pilates, tai chi... the options are endless. Daily movement is beneficial, yet I don't think practicing yoga asanas every day is necessary (but a consistent yoga practice will help support all of the other activities in your life. And a daily gentle yoga session, especially in the evening, will support your sleep!) There are myriad ways to move and care for our bodies. And of course, yoga encompasses far more than mere physical movement.
Is nurturing a daily meditation/mindfulness practice important? Absolutely. Developing a deep meditation practice demands consistent daily effort. Incremental progress through daily practice enhances one's skill, and meditation is indeed a skill.
A sustained daily mindfulness practice enables you to navigate the ebbs and flows of life, enriching your mood, body, and mental state. And that's invaluable.
However, what I consider the most important reason for daily practice is that it provides a formalized way to focus on what truly matters to you. Whether it's meditation, yoga, music, writing, or any other pursuit, having a daily practice cultivates your disciplined attention. In a roundabout manner, my answer is now yes—I believe daily practice is crucial. Dedicate time to the things that hold significance for you and deserve your attention.
