Yoga at Home, Setting the Tone

Like most yoga instructors, from LA to India, I instruct my students to start class in a comfortable position with their eyes closed.  I encourage everyone to drop into their belly breathing.  This sets the tone for their yoga practice.

Many of my students desire to practice yoga at home.  The two biggest reasons this doesn’t tend to happen 1) They don’t know what to practice.  2) They just can’t seem to get in the habit to actually begin.

If the latter is your main issue, this article is for you.  It is important to set the tone for your home practice just as a yoga studio sets the tone.  You are presented with a clean open space.  The lights are probably dimmed.  You are surrounded by like minded people all there for the same goal, to breathe and move together.

As with any new healthy habit you want to incorporate into your life, you must set yourself up for success.  Make things easier on yourself.  As I gain more years in life, working smarter and not harder is my motto.  Keep it simple.

 

Create an inviting space for your home yoga practice.  Make sure you place your yoga mat  in your practice space.  Hey, it could be your living room, hallway or bathroom!  If its your kids play room, make sure toys are picked up so you don’t get easily distracted.  You may have to get creative.

The space will be calling you when its time to practice.  You may feel like walking past your new yoga area but the vibe is so awesome you won’t be able to pass it up!    Those emails can wait.

Clean up this area the day before, you need a clutter free clean area, even if its a small space or a make shift area.  Make it happen, you are worth it.  You don’t have to wait until you move into a bigger home.  You don’t have to wait until your favorite yoga teachers class next week.

I love having candles and essential oils on hand.  Citrus oils are great for invigorating your mind.  Lavender is wonderful to calm down on those overwhelming days.

My thoughts on music.  If it gets you to practice, use it.  I have found that listening to my breath and allowing my internal rhythm to guide me is essential.

Now, I can practice yoga almost anywhere.  My bathroom, living room, hallway, office, rooftop and sometimes I even squeeze into a narrow space next to my bed.  Once you are in the habit of moving consciously on a regular basis, your body will not let you skip out.

 

Not all of the places I practice are dynamic movement friendly but it works.  My whole body appreciates the effort (emotional and physical body).  I live with my S.O. and my parents visit for 3-4 months out of the year.  It may not be the perfect serene place atmosphere all the time and that is OK.

We’ve become a culture that feels like we must have tibetan flutes playing in the background, gorgeous hardwood floors and dimmed lights to practice yoga.  Does it help?  Yes, especially in the beginning.

However, we simply need to take inspired action and create a sacred space for this beautiful practice that heals us from the inside out.  Progress, not perfection is what we are looking for.  You will continue to attract what you desire in your body and your life.  You are taking responsibility for your health.

Yoga Tips

I too used to have to psyche myself up to get moving.  Once you get started, I promise, you will get into the flow on a regular basis.  Do the same when you travel!  You may start with 15 minutes.  Who knows, you may surprise yourself and move for 30-60 minutes.  It’s all good!

Not sure what to practice?  Cindi Lee Yoga can help.  We now offer personalized At Home Yoga Programs for your unique needs.  Please contact Cindi Lee for more details, .

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Image Credits: Google images-https://destressyoga.wordpress.com/2012/09/30/inhale-exhale, repeat/http://www.yogawithsuzanne.co.uk/5/Yoga_Benefits/, http://www.tarunaoils.orghttp://addicted2success.com/spirituality/4-yoga-principles-that-will-make-youunstoppable-in-business/