Yoga Sutra - ABHAYSA

The Path of Yoga Sutras - A practical guide to the core of yoga
       written by Nicholai Bachman

Principle 6 - Abhaysa
Diligent, Focused Practice
"Be soft in your practice.  Think of the method as a fine silvery stream, not a raging waterfall.  Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go on its own way, meandering here trickling there.  It will find grooves, the cracks, the crevices.  Just follow it.  Never let it out of your sight.

Abhyasa along with viveka (keen discernment) are fundamental practices within all progress.

Adhyasa along with vairagya (non-attachment to sensory objects) are necessary to calm the heart-mind.

"For example, we want to learn how to cook our own meals instead of eating at restaurants all the time.  At first, it takes a while to acquire the ingredients and follow recipes.  Each time we make the same dishes, they become easier.  Eventually, the recipes that began as difficult and time consuming seem fast and simple.  For another example, if you come down with a disease that is hard to shake, establishing healthy dietary, exercise, and lifestyle habits can help you overcome this obstacle and move in a positive helpful direction.
It is important to stay on track and not give up, even when we want to.  Practice makes perfect.  If we can get ourselves into good routine, practiceing becomes habitual and, thus, easier. Whether we attend regular asana classes or set aside time every morning to sit quitely and meditate, perserverance will ensure some level of progress.  Over time our body, breath, heart, and mind will become more clear, refined, and pure, benefiting not only ourselves but everyone around us as well."
Thoughts
Ongoing, sincere, and effortful practice is the source of my strength and progree.
Consistent, focused practice will diminish distractions, reduce attachment to superficial matters and deepen the connection to my divine inner Self.
Every time I practice, it empowers me and reinforces my positive direction.

Exercises
If you do not yet have a regular practice, carve out some time in your day, even if it only ten minutes, to spend connecting with your inner Self.  Make this practice a priority, even higher than checking your email or answering the telephone.