Why We Don’t Show Up (And What Yoga Says About It)

I wrote this reflection in February 2023, that in-between month where the light is slowly returning, yet winter still lingers in the body and mind. February often carries a particular energy: we may feel the desire to move forward, yet something feels heavy. Resistance shows up. Obstacles feel louder.

Perhaps that is why this teaching from yoga philosophy felt especially relevant at the time, and still does today.

" Hello, I hope you had a good week.

Fitting a yoga class into the week is a commitment. Sometimes the head wants to, but the mind prevents us from doing so.

In Yoga Philosophy, it says that there are nine obstacles on the Yoga Way.

What is the Yoga Way?

It is the path we embark on as human beings to remove distractions from the mind so we can see more clearly within ourselves. When our understanding is clear, we feel quietness and calmness deep within.

"When we see something correctly, there is profound peace within us. We feel no tension, no unrest, no agitation." — The Heart of Yoga, T.K.V. Desikachar.

My Yoga Way now extends beyond the mat. As I have shared before, journaling and meditating are part of my daily habits. I also practise yoga on the mat daily, even if sometimes it’s only five or ten minutes.

I also believe that my other physical activities are part of my yoga journey. I enjoy swimming; the breathing of swimming gives me tremendous benefits. Walking and running also help bring clarity to my mind.

Having sufficient physical and mental activity helps me regulate myself better. I see more clearly. I make better decisions. I make fewer mistakes.

But like everyone, obstacles come in the way of this “ideal routine.”

I thought I would share them with you, so you can recognise them when they arise and perhaps next time make a conscious decision to act differently, to make a better choice for yourself.

The Nine Obstacles on the Yoga Way:

• Illness

• Mental stagnation

• Doubt

• Lack of foresight

• Fatigue

• Overindulgence

• Illusion about one’s true state of mind

• Lack of perseverance

• Regression

I want to remind you that yoga isn’t a destination. It is a path, a practice.

The practice of yoga involves recognising and working through these obstacles in order to cultivate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Come this week to class. Overcome your obstacles or simply meet them. Take what the practice offers you, whether it is relaxation, breathing, or physical movement."

Looking back, I realise this reflection still feels current. The obstacles described in yoga philosophy are not seasonal, yet February often makes them more visible. The slower light, the lingering cold, the desire to move forward while still feeling held back.

If you notice resistance in yourself, perhaps this is not a sign to stop but an invitation to gently recommit.

The path is always there. You simply return to it.