'A ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory'

Recently after teaching an asana class one student asked me 'Nicky, I have read many books but one day maybe you will share with us your secret as to you being like this?'  I replied eagerly back to her that there is absolutely no secret - it is just practice and dedication to your practice and in practice I don't just mean your asana's but also your meditations, pranayamas, diet, chanting, selfless service, self observation and complete lifestyle, being mindful and very aware of our thoughts and emotions, surrounding ourselves in positive natural environments and being able to step away from the material world even when we are caught in it.  Books are wonderful things and are to be treasured but there is nothing in comparison to actual practice, as Sri Swami Sivananda tells us 'an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory.'  We can sit and discuss theory and philosophies until it gives us brain ache or for me at least, however by actual experience of practice you can truly begin to feel positive change.  I am by no means always floating on clouds through rainbows, I have life to deal with just the same as everybody else, challenges, blockages, expectations put upon me, moods and emotional outbreaks - I am still contained within this human body and mind, and it is an amazing wonderful gift to have and what an opportunity to learn about humankind that to be able to truly observe yourself; what is the root of that particular worry, that little bout of anger, that moment of jealousy and this moment of joy, and how do I take myself out of those moments that would have negative effect on myself and others, and how to learn to love the moments of joy without attaching to them.  It is dedicated practice that allows us to be open, to love all living things and entities no matter what, it is dedicated practice that brings compassion and acceptance.  It is dedicated practice that prevents the self sabotage, the doubt the mistrust.  It is dedicated practice that prevents us from becoming caught in a sense of being stuck, it is dedicated practice that brings freedom.  In my little humble opinion there is nothing else that can take you there. 

So my response to the question is there is absolutely no secret - just whatever is manageable for you at present in terms of practice then be brave, no more excuses and dedicate yourself to it.

Make that step - you will embark on a gritty, amazing, demanding, transformative journey, Atha yoganusasanam - now you are ready for yoga, now you are ready for change.

Read your wonderful books, but the essence is practice - it is that which is going to make you free, able to approach every part of your being no matter how scary that may be,  but it is magical. 
Love your life, love your time and love you
Dedicate yourself - put yourself on that journey, no body can do that for you but you, be brave, be honest and just do it really.
Always from the heart - I wish you a beautiful journey
AUM shanti shanti shanti
In honor of Shakti the divine feminine energy on the last of the 9 days of celebrating Devi
love to you all
Mangala / Nicky