YOGA - WEST OF THE NARROWS

There's nothing like missing a Yoga class to bring about some perspective. Recently I tried to venture to a new studio for a class and missed it......traffic and a GPS gone awry led me to a quiet and sad moment in my car, when the plan was to be on my mat.

 

It got me thinking; Why is the studio experience so highly sought after? Or for some, why is a studio experience so greatly feared? On one hand, there's the solitude (no kids or chores to nag at you) and the sense of community with fellow Yogis/Yoginis. On the other hand, maybe there's fear of a spandex laden world of toned bodies secretly judging you from their mat (Pssst....noone's judging you. They've got their own issues to deal with).

​

AFTERALL, YOGA IS SUCH A PERSONAL JOURNEY, WHY NOT EMBRACE IT IN YOUR PERSONAL SPACE?

​

I've always had a strong home practice, but a studio visit is a treat for me, like french fries every Friday. The beauty being that at home I can arrive anytime, in any condition (no fancy Yoga-wear here!), and choose how I want to practice.

​

As much as I adore, admire, love and respect the studios in our community for the safe havens and interesting offerings they provide, there comes a time in one's Yogic journey that it is beneficial (sometimes life-saving!) to have a Home Practice. If you are already getting jiggy with it on your mat at home - HIGH FIVE! I'm right there with you. But if you've not yet implemented this into your life, might I make a few suggestions to ease you on in?

​

1) CHOOSE A SPACE AND MAKE IT YOUR OWN. Granted there are days that practicing in my space is either a no-go due to a Legoland inhabiting it (I go to the kitchen instead), or maybe the sun is calling me outside to practice in its warmth, having a spot that is somewhat dedicated to your Yoga is good. It will feel like 'home' to practice in that spot. Ever recognize how you or another Yogi gets agitated if "their spot" has someone else's mat on it when arriving to class? It's the same thing. Grab some things that inspire your practice and place them there. If alters aren't your thing - no biggie. Maybe a basket for your Yoga paraphernalia (I'm talking mat, blocks, straps and such here) and a blanket to 'claim your spot' and keep you comfy in svasana.

​

2) START SMALL AND CHOOSE A METHOD. If I think to myself, 'I don't have time for 75 minutes of practice,' I commit to just 20. Chances are, I will not get off my mat for much, much longer. Yoga feels good! Suddenly time opens up and other things drop off the to-do list once you've connected to yourself and begun nourishing what is most real - YOU.

​

The best part of a home practice? Doing what you want (within reason and so as to not injure yourself)!!! Love music? Blast it. Like a quiet practice? Maybe invest in some earplugs (which will only enhance your ability to stay connected with your breath as that is all you'll be hearing).

​

Not sure of what poses to do or how to do them? There are so many books, magazines, online websites/Youtube videos (many are FREE), DVD's etc. just DYING to guide you through a practice. Not to mention quizzes you can take to find out which Yoga may be most suitable for you (Google it), but the best guide is direct experience. Make a it fun by trying as many styles/teachers as you can. Eventually, you will find what speaks to you most (maybe even just what you need energetically that day) and find your groove. Be prepared to get hooked.

 

3) KEEP IT REGULAR BUT DON'T BECOME RIGID. Do it often enough that it doesn't seem like foreign thing to do. As far is rigidity goes, it seems that keeping up a Yoga practice could make you anything but rigid in your body, but what I'm referring to is rigidity in your practice. Each day is a new experience. Allow it to be an adventure. Your beloved pet is joining you and shedding like nobody's business on your mat? Go with it. Kids think you're a jungle gym? Use them as a prop. No practice is perfect and this is certainly true at home in the midst of the chaos of real life, which is why it becomes very important.......every so often....... to head to a studio.

 

Namaste, my fellow mat lovers!