
Many of us who have practiced yoga before are familiar with the comfort and sense of ease that drifts over us as we walk into a yoga studio. There’s an immediate release of stress and our worries get abandoned at the door, knowing immediately that this space is ‘sacred’.
However, for various reasons, we don’t always have the time to squeeze in a visit to the yoga studio. So, find comfort in the knowledge that you can create that connection between the mind and body and fully nourish the soul through the practice of yoga in your own home – provided you have been to a few classes before and know the basics. Here are some tips on setting up that special place.
Find a space within your home that has the least interruptions. This could be a sun-drenched room of your house or a corner in your small apartment: anywhere you can claim as ‘yours’. Choose a space that is well ventilated where possible.
You don’t always need a lot of room. Make sure you have enough to roll out your mat and move your arms and hands freely over the side – just in case you want to get expressive!
Add elements to your practice space that will inspire and motivate every time you step onto the mat. Notice how comforting it is when you walk into a yoga studio where candles are lit, incense is burning and soft music is playing? Re-create this atmosphere for your own space. Benefits of home practice are that you can choose your own lighting, smells and sounds.
If you work with props in group classes, there are ways of imitating them at home.
Blocks are used in yoga for support and getting you closer to the ground. If you don’t have proper yoga blocks, try books: stacking them to relevant heights.
We use straps to attain a deeper stretch in, most commonly, forward bends where we can’t reach the toes or feet. The strap is looped around the feet to pull gently on and hinge forward. If you don’t have access to a proper yoga strap use anything from an old tie, socks, a long t-shirt or even a towel.
Often used to sit on during forward bends, blankets provide support and can give the pelvis a slight tilt forward, which will increase stretches without compromising the spine.
Fold a blanket between the back of your thighs in kneeling poses such as Hero Pose or Virasana that commonly cause discomfort in the knees.
Also use blankets to keep warm in colder months for Savasana or Corpse Pose (final relaxation).
A beautiful restorative addition to your practice, bolsters can be used whilst relaxing to positively prop the body. For example, whilst lying on your back, place the bolster long ways under your spine. It will lift and open the chest, allowing you to breathe more openly and fluidly. Try drawing the soles of the feet together whilst the knees fall out to the side. Place your arms by your side with the palms facing up. Relax and breathe. Bliss.
Proper bolsters are readily available but in the meantime use pillows or rolled up blankets.
There’s nothing quite like the guidance of a teacher. Just having those personal adjustments and listening to their individualised tips can make all the difference to a pose.
Every once in a while and, where possible, find a yoga teacher that will come to your home for a private session. The benefits of having a private session is that your teacher will address poses that you need to work on, including critical alignment, and can take the time to instruct where, in a group situation, it’s not always possible.
If a private session is out of the budget, try a DVD to motivate and instruct. Choose one that teaches your preferred style of yoga and, where possible, check it out on YouTube or research it thoroughly to know what you’re getting. Many yoga DVDs include a selection of sequences for you to choose from to work within your allocated time and preferred anatomical focus. If your practice space is not close to your TV play it on a portable device like a laptop.
Without the motivation of a teacher and the energetic support of other students in a room, it can be easy to quit after a few minutes of practice. As such, set yourself a goal depending on how much time you have to practice as well as your energy levels.
Always leave yourself enough time in the beginning of your practice to establish the breath and centre yourself. Ways of doing this vary depending on the individual so find methods that work for you.
Again, leave time at the end of your practice for Savasana or Corpse Pose. Depending on your schedule, 5-10 minutes is great. In doing this you will feel more fully the benefits of your practice and you will find that giving yourself this time will have lengthy effects on the rest of your day or evening.
So, when you’re all set up and have established a space that feels comfortable and energetically positive – remember to honour your body and listen to its needs when you practice. Be gentle and kind to yourself to prevent injuries.
Most of all enjoy your ‘soul space’ and remember to walk into it with a sense of respect and light heartedness. Nurture the space and it will nurture you!