The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali were written about 2500 years ago and are considered to be a compilation and codification of yogic wisdom. In the first chapter, the means of making yoga practice effective are clearly defined. The practice of yoga is firmly established when it is done continuously, with dedication and alertness, over a long period of time. When we follow Patanjali's guidance, yoga practice bears the fruits of physical health, mental clarity and emotional serenity.

   The first guideline says that yoga practice needs to be continuous or uninterrupted. The practice is made effective by its regularity, as part of the rhythm of daily life. Through consistent effort, the postures evolve gradually as we develop our strength, flexibility and awareness. The asanas, or yogic postures, then begin to penetrate and influence us more deeply so that we feel their impact on our mental and emotional states.

   The profound effects of uninterrupted practice lead to the quality of devotion, a sense of dedication and sincerity in our efforts. Most people start yoga practice with physical rather than spiritual goals, and this can be a good way to begin. As we continue, we find that yoga has far more to offer than fitness, and we begin to recognize the spiritual nature of the practice. Reverence arises when we experience the deeply healing effects of yoga. We feel gratitude for our teachers and we also feel blessed by the opportunity to study and practice.

   Sincerity and dedication bring motivation to do our best. Thus, the third quality is alertness – practicing with mindfulness. We use the instruction we have received to practice in a safe and effective way. We also use discrimination – working with appropriate intensity, yet without aggression. This approach to practice brings sensitivity and body awareness. The ultimate purpose of yoga is to train the mind, and this is accomplished by practicing attentively. Observing the details of alignment, breath and state of mind, we cultivate intelligence and discernment. These qualities are then available to help us in all aspects of living.

   Finally, the practice needs to take place over a long period of time. This requires that we develop the quality of patience, a spiritual practice in itself. Actress and comedienne Gilda Radner once said, “Instant gratification was never soon enough for me.” We all want fast results. Yet the sacred scriptures of yoga acknowledge that the practice will only be successful if it is continued for a long time. Yoga master BKS Iyengar says that practice “…is a dedicated, unswerving, constant and vigilant search into a chosen subject, pursued against all odds in the face of repeated failures, for indefinitely long periods of time.” Here he notes that we cannot be attached to having a certain outcome in a given time period. We go on practicing, regardless of temporary set backs or confusion.

   Look at your practice and observe the balance of these four qualities. Is your yoga ongoing, sincere and alert? Are you prepared to stay with it through the changing seasons over the passage of time? Through steady, dedicated and attentive practice, over a long period, yoga fulfills its promise of bringing joy and freedom.

Karen Allgire, MFA, RYT, is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor. She has been teaching dance and movement since 1983 and yoga since 1998. Karen is co-director of Green Tara Yoga & Healing Arts in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. You can reach her at info@greentarayoga.com or (216) 382-0592.