Practice as the Path

“Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory.”

~ Pattabhi Jois.

Practice as the Path: Commitment + Discipline

Commitment is a word that often sparks strong reactions. Let’s face it—it can feel a little prickly. For many of us, the idea of commitment first shows up in our relationships: commitment to a partner, family member, pet, friend, or even our work. While commitment can feel daunting at first, yoga teaches us that it is not a burden but a blessing. Beyond our responsibilities to others, true commitment is the devotion we offer to ourselves, to our practice, to the divine, and to living each moment with compassion and presence.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, though primarily focused on self-awareness and liberation, highlights the importance of consistency and devotion. When we commit—whether to our practice, our growth, or our relationships—we create an opening for growth and transformation.

And, this is where discipline comes in. Discipline is often misunderstood as restriction and something that confines us, but in yoga, discipline is actually the doorway to freedom. When we show up for practice consistently—even on the days we don’t feel like it—we build trust with ourselves. That steady rhythm creates structure that liberates us from chaos, indecision, and the constant pull of distraction.

Paradoxically, the more disciplined we become in our yoga practice, the freer we feel—in our bodies, in our breath, and in our lives. When we dedicate ourselves fully—to work, to love, to practice—we free ourselves from the constant second-guessing of the inner critic. The fear that disguises itself as hesitation no longer runs the show. Commitment clears the path and creates the conditions where real freedom can unfold.

Yoga master Pattabhi Jois expressed it perfectly: “Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory.”

That quote has carried me through many days when rolling out my mat felt like the last thing I wanted to do. On those days, I’d tell myself: just start with one pose. A Downward Dog, a single Sun Salutation. Often, that small act of commitment turned into a few more poses and often times, before I knew it, an entire practice. That steady devotion has changed everything. Eventually, yoga was no longer just a workout or a stretch. It became my anchor.

Yoga also invites us to take risks. Not reckless risks, but conscious ones. The kind that expand our boundaries. Think of Olympic athletes. They train relentlessly, suspending disbelief in what’s possible. Each time an Olympic medal is awarded or a record is broken, it’s proof that limits are rarely fixed. They are waiting to be redefined.

When I first began practicing yoga on a VHS tape with Erich Schiffmann and Ali MacGraw (yep, THAT long ago!) there was a sequence that included a half bind in Extended Side Angle Pose. I remember thinking: there’s no way I’ll ever be able to do that. But I kept trying. Week after week, I leaned in, breathed, and allowed myself to risk being uncomfortable. And then one day, it happened—I slipped into the bind. I couldn’t believe it.

That experience shifted everything for me. It wasn’t about the pose itself; it was about proving to myself that the story I’d been telling—“I can’t”—wasn’t the whole truth.

In yoga, we all carry our lists of limitations:

“My hamstrings are too tight.”

“I’m not strong enough.”

“I’m too old.”

“I’m too tired.”

“My body just isn’t built for this.”

This mental chatter can make us feel stuck, as if our bodies are stone walls. But the truth is, these walls are often self-created. Like Olympic athletes who break records again and again, yogis learn that limits are rarely permanent. They’re meant to be challenged. We can use our yoga practice to play the edge.

Taking risks in yoga doesn’t mean forcing yourself into a shape your body isn’t ready for. It means daring to imagine that what feels impossible today might be possible tomorrow. It’s a leap of faith, paired with the practical discipline of showing up every day.

Yoga is not just about flexibility in the body—it’s about flexibility in the mind and spirit. Commitment and discipline keep us steady and grounded. Risk stretches us into new territory and nudges us beyond self-imposed limits. And discipline provides the structure that makes both possible.

Together, they create the conditions for growth, freedom, and joy.

So the next time you step onto your mat, ask yourself:

What am I ready to commit to?

What risk am I willing to take?

What story am I willing to let go of?

The answers may open doors you didn’t know were waiting. And they may lead you exactly where you’re meant to go.

Join me for practice here … even if you only one pose.