Abhyasa: The Power of Commitment
Like all good things, transformation in yoga happens over time. It arises slowly, almost imperceptibly, through returning again and again to the mat. This steady return is known in yoga philosophy as abhyasa, which means repetitive practice. In a world that celebrates instant results, abhyasa invites us into something deeper: patience, determination, and the willingness to meet ourselves repeatedly, even on the days when motivation is nowhere to be found. Whether you practice yoga at our Unley studio, or anywhere in the world, the idea that consistent yoga practice changes us from the inside out is universal.
What does ‘Abhyasa’ Mean?
Abhyasa is often translated simply as “practice,” but its meaning is richer than the word suggests. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, abhyasa refers to a steady, long-term commitment to showing up. It places the focus on presence, rather than perfection. Abhyasa uses discernment; rather than forcing yourself into asana when you’re exhausted or pushing through emotional or physical pain, it’s more about staying in relationship with your practice, even as your energy, mood, or life circumstances shift. Some days discipline looks like dynamic movement in an Equanimity Flow; other days, devotion looks like rest, meditation, or simply lying on the mat and breathing in a Yin class.
Compassionate Discipline
When people hear the word “discipline,” they often think of rigid, unbending willpower. But in yoga, discipline is an act of kindness. It is choosing what truly supports you over what temporarily distracts you. Commitment in yoga practice is less about control and more about compassion; “I care enough about myself to keep practicing.” This reframes discipline as care rather than punishment. Abhyasa is paired in the Sutras with vairagya (non-attachment), reminding us that while we show up consistently, we also release expectations about how the practice “should” look or what results we “should” achieve.
The Neuroscience of Showing Up
Modern science beautifully mirrors yogic wisdom. We know that the brain changes through repetition, with neural pathways strengthening each time we choose the same action or mindset. When we commit to regular yoga practice, meditation, or mindful movement, we are literally rewiring our nervous system. Consistent yoga practice has been shown to regulate stress hormones, strengthen emotional resilience, and improve focus and mood. Familiar routine creates safety in the nervous system, and from this safety comes transformation.
How Do I Commit To My Practice?
You might practice abhyasa by:
unrolling your mat even when you don’t “feel like it”
choosing breath instead of reactivity
coming back to your intention when the mind wanders in meditation
returning to class after time away without guilt
planning out your schedule and booking into classes in advance (we recommend this for The Practice Project)
Abhyasa reminds us that to really practice yoga, you must cultivate a steady relationship with yourself. Rather than seeing discipline as confining, we see commitment as freedom. .