Recommitment Is Part of the Practice: why recommitment matters more than perfection

You know that moment. You meant to come to class. You even put it on the calendar! Then work ran late, you got home, and the couch felt like quicksand. The next morning comes with a little knot of guilt in your stomach and a promise to try harder tomorrow. A few tomorrows later, it feels awkward to show up at all, now. Everyone knows you’ve missed classes, you told everyone you’d be there, but you haven’t made it back in a while.

You start to wonder… am I back at square one?!

But here’s the truth: everyone drifts. Progress does not come from never missing. Progress comes from returning.

Reframe the miss

Your brain is not broken, and you are not lazy. The human nervous system is wired to choose what feels familiar and predictable. (even if you REALLY want something else!) When life gets overwhelming, the brain conserves energy by steering you toward the path of least resistance. The couch wins because it is known and safe. Add a sprinkle of shame and the body reads that as threat, not motivation. Threat narrows your focus, freezes options, and makes the next step feel heavier than it really is.

So missing a class is not a character flaw. It is a nervous system doing its best to keep you safe and efficient.

The good news is that safety is exactly what helps you move again!

Why recommitment works

Each time you return, you teach your brain a tiny new story. You give it a cue, you take an action, and you feel a reward. That loop strengthens with repetition. Over time, your identity begins to shift from I am someone who keeps falling off to I am someone who always comes back.

That identity matters.

The brain loves consistency, and when you see yourself as a person who returns, the next return gets easier.

Recommitment also dissolves shame. When you choose one doable step, your body and brain sees that you are trustworthy. Your stress response turns down. Your focus widens.

Momentum, which often feels mysterious, is usually just one honest action repeated.

A simple comeback plan

Keep this kind, and concrete. No elaborate plans. Just the smallest moves that lower friction.

1. Pick one class this week. Decide now.

2. Reduce as much friction as you can: pack your bag right after you read this. Shoes, water, mat, keys in one spot.

3. Ask a friend to meet you or tell someone what you chose. Connection builds follow through.

4. Decide your exit plan. It is okay to leave early if your body asks. Knowing you can step out reduces pressure and makes showing up easier.

A quick personal note

Admittedly, it’s harder to fall out of routine and no-show a yoga class that I’m supposed to be teaching. 🤣 However, this is a tough truth I still struggle with when it comes to consistent routines I’m trying to establish. Going to the gym and maintaining a skincare regiment are my two biggest hurdles. I want nice skin, I feel so much better when I moisturize and go through my embarrassingly thorough skincare routine (hello toner, Vitamin c, Azelaic Acid, Soothing & Barrier Support Serum, Niacinamide, Retinol and moisturizer) but half the time I find myself in bed and just can’t make myself get up and do my missed skincare.

This is also why I keep my meds on my nightstand. I’ve far too often fallen into the ‘I’m comfortable, I’ll remember tomorrow’ hole that leads me to being unmedicated for a day or few at a time. While some might try to argue it’s laziness, it’s really working with your own brain and reducing that friction that can make self-care seem so hard sometimes.

Reflection Prompt:

Where can I recommit this week without feeling like I have to make up for lost time?

Book one class. That is the whole assignment.