Slow and Steady: The Power of Patience in Yoga

Persistence and patience on the yoga mat are two of the most transformative qualities we can develop—not just for our practice, but for life itself. Yoga has taught us that slow, steady progress often leads to deeper, more meaningful growth than any quick-fix approach ever could.

Let’s be honest: it’s easy to get frustrated when a pose doesn’t click or when our bodies feel stiff and unyielding. But over time, we come to understand that yoga isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about showing up, again and again, for ourselves. This is where persistence comes in, and the rewards are immense.

When we think about persistence, I’m reminded of Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare. The tortoise didn’t win the race because it was fast or strong—it won because it kept moving forward, step by step. Yoga works the same way. Each time we step onto our mats, we make a small investment in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some days, progress is obvious; other days, it’s invisible, and that’s okay.

What We Learn from Persistence in Yoga

1. Patience Pays Off: One of the first lessons yoga teaches us is patience. Progress in poses, flexibility, or strength doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. Over time, we realize that patience allows us to embrace the journey rather than obsess over the destination.

   
   

2. Consistency Creates Change: Yoga Sutra 1.14 says that yoga practice requires regularity over a long period. This reminds us that showing up—even when we don’t feel like it—is essential. Whether it’s a 60-minute flow or just five minutes of mindful breathing, each effort adds up.

   
   

3. We Learn to Trust the Process: Persistence teaches us to let go of the need for immediate results. When we stop rushing, we notice subtle changes—not just in our bodies but also in our mindset. This trust spills over into life, helping us navigate challenges with resilience and grace.

   
   

The Role of Tapas in Persistence

In yoga philosophy, Tapas, one of the Niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, is often described as discipline, dedication, or the fire of transformation. Tapas fuels our ability to keep showing up, especially when life—or our yoga practice—feels hard. It’s the internal flame that drives us to endure discomfort and grow from it.

But where do we find this fire, particularly on days when motivation wanes? Tapas doesn’t have to come from an intense, forceful effort; it can also emerge as quiet resilience. It can look like rolling out your yoga mat even when you're tired, staying with a challenging pose for a few breaths longer than feels comfortable, or simply committing to a short practice when life feels overwhelming.

Finding Motivation in Difficult Times

1. Connect to Your Why: Tapas is more sustainable when it’s tied to purpose. Ask yourself why you practice yoga. Is it to find balance, build strength, calm your mind, or connect to yourself? Remembering your deeper reason can help reignite your motivation.

   
   

2. Lean on Your Community: Sometimes, the spark of tapas is kindled by connection. Practicing in a class, sharing your journey with a friend, or even following a teacher online can remind you that you’re not alone.

   
   

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Progress often looks like small victories. Perhaps today, it’s holding downward dog with ease or finding a moment of peace in meditation. Acknowledging these moments keeps the flame of tapas burning.

   
   

Tapas teaches us that growth comes from consistency, especially during challenging times. When we choose to persist—not because it’s easy, but because it’s meaningful—we embody this transformative principle.

To conclude, yoga is, ultimately, a lifelong practice, not a race. It’s not about how quickly we achieve a pose or how perfectly we execute it. Instead, it’s about the lessons we learn and the person we become as we stay committed to the journey.

You got this;)