The Shala Daily

Dear Soni,

One of the most quietly radical acts in Ashtanga yoga is learning to work with volume and sequence in a way that serves your whole life, not just your practice. Many students—especially those who are driven and high-achieving—find it difficult to accept that splitting the sequence (breaking it into smaller, more digestible segments) is not only allowed, but often a mark of maturity and wisdom. There are many methods: half-primary, alternating days, focusing on a single section for depth. Each demands a willingness to experiment, patience, and the courage to let go of perfectionism. More on this in Applying Volume Training to Ashtanga.

It’s tempting to measure progress in yoga by how much of the sequence you can complete or how quickly you advance. But true transformation isn’t linear. Systems—whether our bodies or our practice routines—adapt slowly over time. Accepting time delays and cycles of growth, integration, and rest is a real test of tapas—disciplined effort that respects the long view. If you’re curious about structuring training and honoring these rhythms, see Periodization: Structuring Training Over Time.

⏳ Practice is a Dialogue

Splitting the sequence invites you to listen closely and adapt—qualities that can feel uncomfortable but are essential for lifelong practice. The beauty of sequencing isn’t in following a rigid blueprint but in balancing energy and intention, day by day. Explore more on this process in Sequencing & Pacing to Balance Energy.

Patience, experimentation, and acceptance are forms of tapas, too. As you adjust your practice, remember: the capacity to pause, reflect, and change course is itself a profound strength—sometimes more challenging (and more rewarding) than powering through. The yogic path is not a sprint but an ever-evolving experiment. For more on the spirit of tapas, read Niyamas – Tapas (Self-discipline / Enthusiasm).

— MJH