Daily Practice of the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Awareness of ‘Yoga’

I have been practicing Yoga for 11 years now, and teaching for seven. I have loved every moment.


Over the years, my practice has ebbed and flowed (btw- so normal). It has been when my physical practice was more serious that I felt the best in my life (lending to the totality of Yoga). There was a time when I practiced in the studio every single day. There have also been times when I needed to do other things to take care of myself.  


Did you know, the latter is still yoga? 

Yoga is about taking care of yourself. It is the practice in awareness of Mind, Body and Spirit. This means, do not beat yourself up (like I often do) when you are not able to get into the studio. Instead, give yourself, even 5 minutes, to stop, do a breathing exercise, a meditation, or take a walk in nature- these are all ways to practice Yoga. My go to place when I need to download is somewhere on the waterfront.

I have experienced firsthand (and witnessed in my students) the physical benefits of taking care of the body within the commitment to a Yoga practice. I have learned that the mental and spiritual components of Yoga are tied to the physical connection. 

Yoga is the perfect tri-union in the awareness to our Physical, Mental, and Spiritual.  

·        Physical: the movement of the body. Whether it is taking a class, walking in nature, or another physical activity. This can be passive or dynamic. 

·        Mental: paying attention to what you are speaking to yourself and what you are letting your brain (eyes & ears) input into the brain. Giving yourself permission to say “No" to the people and things that have a negative impact on your mental health. You ARE worth it. 

·        Spiritual: sometimes the hardest because it is so easy to try to be what TV or social media tell us we ‘should’ be. Many times this is a false reality and not sustainable. The spiritual component of Yoga is about really getting to know yourself. Being in-tune with your body, with what is going on in your mind. Developing your intuition.  


I encourage you to take a moment each day, ask yourself how you are feeling (all three components), what do you need to support your body, mind, spirit. It can be hard to get started, if so start with just 3 minutes at first; sit in silence and just listen, no judgment, just let the thoughts and sensations come. Have a journal handy to jot down anything that comes to mind.


Ideas to Connect into daily awareness of the physical, mental and spiritual:

  • Make a space for yourself, have a comfy seat, favorite cozy blanket/sweater, a beautiful cup of tea, scented candle, journal and fancy pen(s); set your daily intention, really listen to your heart

  • Rise earlier to listen before reacting

  • Get outside and take a walk: listen to nature & take your shoes off for more connection to the Earth

  • Eat healthy: visit a Fruit Stand, increase your consumption of fresh fruits & vegetables. 

  • Write a hand-written note and mail it to someone you appreciate (a lost art)

  • Allow yourself time to wind down at night, warm bath/shower, nice cup of tea for sleep, turn off all screens an hour before bedtime, listen to soft music

  • Write 2-3 things daily in your journal that you are grateful for

  • Give a hug, smile at someone

  • Join Sol's October Challenge:

    • Think about how many times you currently come to Sol to practice Yoga and challenge yourself to add a couple times a week, maybe even every day for 31 days. (hard but so rewarding)

    • Support your nervous system and attend half of your classes in Luna

    • Try a fun new class like Sacred Sonic Space (you literally just lay there and listen), Womben Circle, Intro to Aerial, Moon Circle, Faithful Flow, Family Yoga

    • Give yourself permission to attend class while respecting the wishes of your body, you can totally lay on the ground the whole class.

  • Journal, ask yourself:

    • What is it that I need?

    • Is this me?

    • How can I be my authentic self?


We are all different, so find what feels right for you and cultivate that. Commit to a daily practice of connecting into your physical, mental and spiritual. Allow for intuitive adjustments throughout your dedication (a continuous learning to trust your deeper awareness in listening to your intuition). A chocolate peanut butter cup is my guiltless pleasure. Smile in the moments of ‘pause’.

Yoga is taking care of yourself, finding your sweet spot for where you are in your life right now- physically, mentally, spiritually. This will change over the years, which is reality. Give yourself grace and second chances. 

For me, Yoga means ‘To be, just as you are.’

Debi Tonsager, 2023

Maya RevillaSol Health Yoga