Create Your Own Home Yoga Practice
I moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, from New York City when I was 21.
I had been practicing yoga for three years, attending group classes four times a week.
When I moved, though, things changed.
Chiang Mai's yoga scene didn't compare to the abundant supply of classes I had grown so used to in New York.
If I wanted to keep practicing, I had to do it alone.
Forced by circumstance to foster a home practice, my relationship with yoga quickly deepened and became more intimate, more connected.
Equipped with a solid foundation from the group classes I had attended, both my insights and physical prowess quickly evolved.
That was 10 years ago; the ritual of unfurling my mat continues to this day.
But most yoga students won't be faced with the necessity of practicing at home.
Often the only way they'll begin to explore a home practice is when they know the tremendous benefits that come along with this.
For instance, a regular home yoga practice is an essential stepping-stone on the path toward embracing the gift of self-illumination through yoga.
When you practice alone, you're allowing yourself the opportunity to embody what you've been taught in class and to apply it to your unique body, mind, and mood.
This is because in a group setting, it's more difficult to turn inward to listen to and answer one's own needs than it is when practicing alone.
The independence students gain from practicing at home will strengthen their overall practice and ability to listen to oneself and follow one's needs to be fully present and alive in the world.
In this way, the gifts you gain from a home practice seep out into all areas of one's life.
To get started, begin with just one day a week, or twice a month, (in addition to your group classes).
Over time, add some more home practices in gradually.
This doesn't need to be anything too fancy: begin with a 10-15 minute sequence.
Usually when you get started you'll find that you want to do much more.
And if that's not the case, that's fine, too.
Having an informal practice group with friends at home once a week, in addition to your private home practice, can be a great motivator.
Another way to stay motivated is to set aside a regular time and place for practice.
Stick to a specific goal or intention to return to daily.
Also, continue attending classes once or twice a week to learn new things that you can bring home with you to try out on your own.
During class time, speak of the importance of having a personal practice.
Share with them your own success.
Here are some tips to get you started: 1.
Set aside a place and a time to practice every day.
Start with a short amount of time, such as 15 to 30 minutes.
2.
Identify an activity that is no longer valuable in your life and remove it, so that your home practice doesn't just add another task and make your life more complicated and full.
3.
Commit yourself to being consistent in your practice for six months.
4.
Find an occasional practice partner.
5.
Have several planned sequences in the back of your mind as a backup.
6.
Continue to go to class weekly for inspiration and ideas on how to change your home practice or what to focus on at home.
7.
Recognize how much yoga has already helped you, and trust that your daily life will be better with a daily practice.
I had been practicing yoga for three years, attending group classes four times a week.
When I moved, though, things changed.
Chiang Mai's yoga scene didn't compare to the abundant supply of classes I had grown so used to in New York.
If I wanted to keep practicing, I had to do it alone.
Forced by circumstance to foster a home practice, my relationship with yoga quickly deepened and became more intimate, more connected.
Equipped with a solid foundation from the group classes I had attended, both my insights and physical prowess quickly evolved.
That was 10 years ago; the ritual of unfurling my mat continues to this day.
But most yoga students won't be faced with the necessity of practicing at home.
Often the only way they'll begin to explore a home practice is when they know the tremendous benefits that come along with this.
For instance, a regular home yoga practice is an essential stepping-stone on the path toward embracing the gift of self-illumination through yoga.
When you practice alone, you're allowing yourself the opportunity to embody what you've been taught in class and to apply it to your unique body, mind, and mood.
This is because in a group setting, it's more difficult to turn inward to listen to and answer one's own needs than it is when practicing alone.
The independence students gain from practicing at home will strengthen their overall practice and ability to listen to oneself and follow one's needs to be fully present and alive in the world.
In this way, the gifts you gain from a home practice seep out into all areas of one's life.
To get started, begin with just one day a week, or twice a month, (in addition to your group classes).
Over time, add some more home practices in gradually.
This doesn't need to be anything too fancy: begin with a 10-15 minute sequence.
Usually when you get started you'll find that you want to do much more.
And if that's not the case, that's fine, too.
Having an informal practice group with friends at home once a week, in addition to your private home practice, can be a great motivator.
Another way to stay motivated is to set aside a regular time and place for practice.
Stick to a specific goal or intention to return to daily.
Also, continue attending classes once or twice a week to learn new things that you can bring home with you to try out on your own.
During class time, speak of the importance of having a personal practice.
Share with them your own success.
Here are some tips to get you started: 1.
Set aside a place and a time to practice every day.
Start with a short amount of time, such as 15 to 30 minutes.
2.
Identify an activity that is no longer valuable in your life and remove it, so that your home practice doesn't just add another task and make your life more complicated and full.
3.
Commit yourself to being consistent in your practice for six months.
4.
Find an occasional practice partner.
5.
Have several planned sequences in the back of your mind as a backup.
6.
Continue to go to class weekly for inspiration and ideas on how to change your home practice or what to focus on at home.
7.
Recognize how much yoga has already helped you, and trust that your daily life will be better with a daily practice.