Studying Yoga and Working Full Time: The Scrappy Edition Part 2

Recently, just like practicing yoga, I made the commitment to also study yoga. I started by investing in some materials to read in order to further my practice. I felt like it was time for me to understand the history of Yoga, and not just try to master the poses. Here are the books I’m reading currently:

• The Complete Yoga Book by James Hewitt
• The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga by Swami Vishna-devananda
• The Language of Yoga by Nicolai Bachman

Working full time doesn’t always leave room for studying, which is different for me. All through my school years, even college and Master’s Degree, I could always study and work in tandem. It was sort of my identity. I was the student that could do it all. I didn’t understand students that would struggle. I always had a set time schedule for homework and work, or even when I was little, my activities. And, here’s the kicker, I always had things done before 8pm at night, so I could watch T.V.

Now, having not attended school in a few years, I’m finding out that my rhythm is off. It’s almost like I forgot how to study, and just like anything, I’m out of practice. I guess most people would say that I hit real adulthood. My priorities have shifted, so I continuously need to make time for what I want to accomplish in life.

I have set some guidelines for myself to help me study. Here are my guidelines below:

• Read at least a chapter each night of each book
• Interact with the content by either trying poses or meditation
• Underline key facts in the content

The way that I have made this “scrappy” to fit my lifestyle is to read at awkward times. Sometimes, I read early in the morning before work, or maybe in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep. I try to fit it all in. It’s not easy, just like making a commitment to practice yoga.

Readers, would love to know your tips and tricks to accomplishing your personal goals.

~Namaste

Scrappy Yogi