Taking Your Yoga Practice Home!

When does your yoga practice take a big leap?
There are so many ways to take care of your body, mind and spirit…and it seems easy to connect in yoga class. So how come it is so difficult to recreate a yoga class in your very own home?

Well here’s the good news – Practicing yoga at home has never been easier. Whether you are a beginner or advanced student in your asana practice; it is important to have a home practice. This will help prevent injury and maximize your ability and experience on the mat. Now is the time to motivate yourself. Take your practice to the next level by keeping it up at home – have a practice even on the days that you don’t feel like driving to the studio. With some insight on how to prepare yourself and a few tools you’ll be good to go ….

This is the moment to take responsibility for your own life and healing. Now is the time to realize that you are in control of your health and lifestyle. Take time to be inspired, to transcend hesitation & limitations and get into a home practice.

Here’s how – – –

Foundation

The Foundation of your practice at home should be basic. Try not to focus on just one pose or a specific part of your body (for example, mixing up your routine with a variety of poses, instead of always doing your favourite ones. On the contrary, avoiding too much stress when attempting to achieve more advanced postures…who can say ‘no’ to a fourth wheel?). Rather, take time to warm up; tune in to what your body is feeling. It can be tempting to listen to the mind, which has a powerful motivational or de-motivational force. Rise above any expectations, and just be one with your body. Attempt to move and articulate your spine in all directions to start. Include a practice of grounding, intention setting, breath work, sun salutations, forward bends, inversions, balancing poses, backbends, abdominal exercises, twisting, cool down and most importantly, Savasana (the relaxation posture where all of the practice is brought together harmoniously within your body and soul). Working with these basic aspects of a yoga practice will help direct your practice towards strength, flexibility and stability.

Relaxation at the end of practice gives your body a chance to integrate all the new information. Taking Savasana at the end of your practice is especially important for all of us in the midst of the hustle and bustle of daily living. Taking the time to absorb your practice in a state of “just being” will surely emanate peace, good health and wellbeing.

5 Steps

1. Find your motivation and set an intention: Many people find their motivation in music. Create a music playlist with some of the following artists – Snatam Kaur, Deva Premal, Buddha Bar, Krishna Das, Wah!, Theiveory Corporation….and some of your favorite tunes. Maybe your motivation is through dedication, maybe your working on a specific pose – whatever your motivation is, find it and set it at the beginning of practice.
2. Set a time: Choose a time and space that will motivate you to practice for at least 25-30 minutes each day (whether it is a full-on vigorous vinyasa or a soft slow hatha practice as long as you made the commitment to your mat – your efforts will pay off).
3. Go back to the foundation: Choose a general flow that feels good in your body. Start low to the floor and build your way up to get your body moving and then focus on your physical intention – whether it be alignment, flexibility (stretching), depth, meditation, etc. After you are warmed up, work on some poses you love – maybe some poses you “hate” (I promise this will change)…
4. Locate your Breath: Take time to get back in touch with your breath throughout your practice.
5. The Cool-Down: Slow down your practice leaving a good few minutes to cool down…maybe some relaxed reclined twisting to neutralize body and mind which is the perfect segue into Savasana.

After you’ve completed these 5 steps, your 30 minute daily practice will have flown by (you might even begin to consider a longer practice!)

If you are fresh out of ideas and need some help in designing a class that’s right for you – be in touch and I will happily guide and support you through a sequence that works towards your intentions.

Take the time now to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the changes that the winter weather brings in mood, inspiration, and flexibility.

Have a happy, safe & healthy Holiday Season and don’t forget ~ Embrace Life, Practice Yoga !