Obstacles on the Path of Yoga

In the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, he writes of Nine Obstacles on the Path of Yoga.  In short, they are:

1. vyadhi and styana- illness of the body and of the mind
2. samshaya - indecision / doubt
3. pramada - carelessness / negligence
4. alasya - laziness
5. avirati - want of non-attachment / craving
6. bhranti-darshana - false views or perception
7. alabdha-bhumikatva - failure, particularly in attaining stages of practice
8. anavasthitatva - instability / loss of confidence
9. chitta-vikshepa - distractions of the mind

I can look back on my path to yoga, my path IN yoga, and recall a time when each of these obstacles reared its head to derail my practice.  And wow, what a good job they do too!  Regardless of what "path" you are, doesn't it always seem like the universe is throwing obstacles in your way at times?  I personally used to find it easy to give in to obstacles without applying much accountability back to myself...so, I was sick?  Not my fault...so I'm tired, I've been working hard...not my fault.  So I wanted to go have a few drinks with friends, instead of hitting the mat...I deserve that...not my fault.  

But the difference that I try to implement now, that I'm more self-aware of obstacles and how we can begin to overcome them, is remembering my path, plain and simple.  When I bring my path to the forefront, it becomes easy to hold myself accountable.  I am sick...what might be the reasons that I can control?  Diet? Stress?  I'm too tired to go?  Remember how GOOD I feel when I do, so I push thru.  I want to go have a few drinks with friends?  Pick a night where yoga was NOT in the plan.  

It's not always perfect, but recognizing these obstacles when they show themselves, it a great opportunity to remember why you have chosen the path to yoga, and why you should hold yourself accountable to stay on that path.  Mainly, because nobody else will!