i had to change my type to post in this forum because i like your thread so much
Why do you practise yoga or dance?
i think i always liked the "image" of both, and the idea of both. they are beautiful, and the ability to express yourself through your body is beautiful. there is also something so compelling about the idea of being able to fully control your whole body in a conscious manner. that is why i got started.
the reason why i continue - with yoga, it helps me empty my mind, and enter my body. i can leave my stress behind and discover a new part of who i am. i enjoy the physical sensations and i like pushing myself. it's sort of vain, but i like watching myself in the mirror and molding myself into a beautiful form. and the peace of sivasana is without equal.
yoga is to me like this
with dance, it's a similar thing. i like being fluid, moving, in touch with my body. i also sort of feel a cultural imperative to be at least a decent dancer in terms of waltz, foxtrot, swing - should i need it in a social setting. i am so blatantly Se-last and very bad at learning in a standard "watch this now do it" format, but if i can read about the steps or see diagrams and understand the "feeling" behind the dance, then i can really get into it. once i've muscle memory'd the steps, i'm good to go, and i can really get into the expression and fluidity. it's really a challenge.
i'm also a little competitive, so most kinds of physical activity fuel that drive. it helps me turn it more into a competition with myself, instead of one with others.
What do you get out of it?
ah. better control of my body. more strength, flexibility. more elegance. it gives me a sense of mastery and a source of pride. it burns calories, of course, and tones my body. i like the idea of being someone who practices yoga and who dances. they fit with my self-concept. and it's occasionally just pure fun, too.
How often do you practise?
both probably about an hour three times a week. i've been doing yoga on and off since my early teens; dancing i used to do when i was little, then as a young teen, then i quit for a while and now am back.
What keeps you motivated to practise?
mostly how happy and satisfied they make me feel when i do them. and it's sort of annoying to regress, so i try to keep up with them consistently. nothing like knowing you could do a split 3 months ago and not even being able to get within 5 inches of the ground, lol.
How do you practically work it into your schedule?
Where do you practise?
How long do you usually practise every time?
my gym offers afternoon classes, which work well. then i practice on my own time, especially dance, since i am newer to it. i usually practice for an hour, at least. might as well get really into it.