For the time being, life mostly occurs “at home.”
Work, workouts, yoga, school, food, happy hour… it seems like most of the world is under this “stay at home” order. And while we are living during a truly unique time, and those of us with a comfortable place to “stay at home” at are truly fortunate, in the world of yoga - an “at home” yoga practice has been a relevant topic for a long, long time…
To many, myself included at one time, and most people I talk to, an at-home yoga practice can be downright intimidating. I often hear excuses like “I get too distracted,” or “I won’t hold the poses long enough,” or “I’ll just lay in savasana the whole time,” or “I need someone to tell me what to do.” And while these are all valid, and, to begin a yoga practice at home can be a bit challenging if you don’t really know the yoga asana (postures) or alignment, BUT it’s all totally do-able. And in my opinion, and coming from a once “hardcore yoga-studio yogi,” a home yoga practice can be a very powerful tool for creating a sacred space of connection, introspection, and self-care.
So, as we all do our best to adapt to our current reality of work closures and studio closures and school closures and social distancing, I’ve shared below 7 tips that I’ve found helpful, and hopefully you do to, for creating, and committing to, a home yoga practice.
Make a commitment that is easy to show up for.
Don’t say that you’re going to do 90-minutes of yoga every single day. Don’t even say you’re going to do an hour. I mean, an hour a day would be amazing, and good for you if you can do it!!! But life in quarantine is still life, and sh*t happens, and some days are easier than others... So make a commitment that you know you can show up for! Maybe you decide to spend at least 1 minute or 5 minutes on your mat each day. Or maybe you commit to 3 Sun Salutations every morning (if you need some inspiration, check out my Sun Salutations Tutorial here!). And I’m willing to bet, most of the time, you’ll probably end up practicing a little longer than what you were committed to. But even if you don’t, just a few minutes on the mat is wayyy better than no minutes on the mat, and not only will you feel better because you practiced, but you’ll also feel better because you stuck to your commitment. Go you!!
Create a peaceful, welcoming space.
Create a little altar near your practice space that invokes peace, calm, support, and inspiration. This could consist of a photo or two of your family or someone that inspires you, a positive quote or affirmation, a crystal, a statue, a trinket, incense - reminders that support you in your showing up. Turn off your electronics, of if you need them for video or music, at least turn off your notifications, and try to limit your distractions as much as possible. Close the door of the messy room, move your mat so you can’t see the pile of laundry or dirty dishes, and if you have kids, try to schedule your practice around when they nap or do school work, or if you have a partner ask them for support in giving you your sacred space. But one thing to remember here: As much as we try to limit distractions, distractions are just as much a part of the practice as is stillness and silence. Let distractions be an opportunity to observe, accept, and respond as you need, without becoming reactive.
Light a candle.
Seriously, this has become my favorite ritual to signify my sacred time. When the candle is lit = time for your practice, and NOTHING else! Once you complete your practice, you can blow out the candle and can focus your attention on whatever else you need to do.
Give online yoga a go.
If you need some inspiration or assistance, practice with an online, live class or an on-demand class. And commit to the entire thing! There are so many amazing outlets and platforms for online yoga, and there are so many incredible teachers across this globe! Your local studios or teachers may be offering some online classes - both myself and some teachers from Centro La Paz here in Rincon are offering online live classes, and I have some pre-recorded, on-demand classes + tutorials here on my website. I’m also a big fan of using platforms like YogaGlo and Alo Moves to access a variety of classes and workshops from some of the best teachers around the world. Both YogaGlo and Alo Moves are offering a variety of free classes during these times as well. But whatever class you decide to take, stick to it! As if you went to that class in person, commit to the whole thing - it’ll feel good and be the next best thing to a class in a studio.
Put on some good music and just move.
Organically and intuitively. Don’t worry about what your yoga practice looks like and just focus on what it feels like in your body. Begin to practice this kind of intuitive yoga where your intention is to get curious and explore and move in a way that feels good to you. Get playful, get primal, get wild - but move intentionally and mindfully. Use your home yoga practice as an opportunity to get to know yourself a little better every single day.
Keep a practice journal.
Journaling can be a powerful way to enhance a home yoga practice. It’s also a cool way to observe the subtle shifts and changes over time. Keep a practice journal with you at your mat and take a moment after your practice to make a few notes. Things like: How were you feeling before practice? What came up for you during practice? How do you feel now? You could also jot down your sequences to remember for later, or write down any insights or ideas that arose during the practice or your meditation. I think one of the most powerful take-aways from a regular home yoga practice is a strengthened connection with Self and a heightened inner-body awareness.
Never underestimate the power of stillness.
With all of this being said, the best part about your home practice is that it doesn’t have to look a certain way. And, it’s all about YOU! So don’t focus on what you think you should be doing, instead focus on what you need. If that means laying in savasana or chilling in Child’s Pose for your allotted time - that’s perfect. That was probably exactly what you needed. Be honest and gentle with yourself. As teacher Rolf Gates so eloquently puts it, “Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.”