3 Reasons to Start Yoga Practice at Home
As we navigate the uncertainty of this time, the fear of the unknown, and the lack of control we have over it, can leave us feeling depleted, and depressed. More than ever, it is integral to our well being that we take time to ground ourselves in the midst of the madness.
Instead of clinging to an unknown reality, what if we yielded to the process, and allowed it to shape us in new ways? What if we stepped back, reflected on the abundance in our lives, rather than the lack or misfortune, and surrendered to the circumstances? How might that allow us to grow, and expand into a new potential?
Our yoga practice can be a powerful tool throughout this process. Whether it is simply ten minutes to pause, reflect, and breathe or an hour of consistent movement, our practice is a place where we can expand and express ourselves. Within the confines of our yoga mat, we are free to explore our edges, both physically, and within our minds, to grow into so much possibility. Our practice can be a sanctuary where we spend time with ourselves, delving deep into the contentment that lies within.
If you are new to the yoga practice, or perhaps a seasoned yogi who generally practices at a studio, being in the quarantine may present a wonderful opportunity to develop a home practice. Personal practice can be very intimate, and offer us so much comfort and relief through trials and tribulations.
According to Jason Crandall, a well known inspirational teacher, here are 3 reasons to start a home practice:
Self-knowledge.
Practicing on your own helps you learn to self-regulate and self-soothe. It is like driving your own car, versus being chauffeured around. It is a greater responsibility to pay attention, choose where you’re going, and respond to what happens as you travel along.
Self-help.
Practicing on your own helps you learn to self-regulate and self-soothe. It is like driving your own car, versus being chauffeured around. It is a greater responsibility to pay attention, choose where you’re going, and respond to what happens as you travel along.
Self-indulgence.
The more you practice, the better you’ll get at assessing how you feel, so when you first come to the mat, you can choose a practice that counterbalances whatever’s going on mentally, physically, and emotionally.
How many other endeavors allow you to do whatever you darn well please? “Practicing on your own is so indulgent”, Crandell says. You can take anywhere from 2 to 90 minutes, and do whatever you want, at whatever pace, tone, and intensity you choose
How to Design a Home Yoga Practice:
Start with quiet.
Before you dive into a sun salutation or a specific pose, start in a comfortable seated position or lying down. Being quiet will let you listen in, and feel for what you need. From there, you can more mindfully pick a direction.
Consider your energy level and time allowance.
If you're tired and pressed for time, choose a short restorative practice. If you need grounding and stability, focus on standing poses.
Set an intention.
This simple suggestion ensures that you’ll use your time constructively. Try not to be attached to your intention as a direction or goal, but to give you a path to move toward.
Breathe
If all else fails, start with the breath. We forget how powerful, and effective focused breathing can be until we stop for a moment and connect with the breath. Breathing is something anyone can do, anywhere.
If you’re still finding it challenging to practice at home, try a local yoga studio who offers online classes. This will allow you to stay within the comfort of your own walls while learning and growing while having guidance from someone experienced.
Meet the Author
Loren Collarile-Posca
Owner of The Yoga Garden
We love The Yoga Garden
The Yoga Garden creates an inclusive environment for students to grow, and succeed within their own practice. Their instruction intends to suit the needs of every practitioner and offers appropriate guidance to meet you wherever you are.
Their intention is to break the cookie-cutter mold of an elite yoga culture, and instead, offer accessible options for students of all walks of life, to develop a wise, thoughtful, and effective yoga practice.
These classes are held via interactive, two-way video Livestream, so you are in class with the class, from the safety, and privacy of home.