{"id":583,"date":"2013-11-02T17:22:42","date_gmt":"2013-11-02T21:22:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theyogimovement.com\/?p=583"},"modified":"2016-10-08T13:07:05","modified_gmt":"2016-10-08T17:07:05","slug":"preparing-an-at-home-yoga-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theyogimovement.com\/preparing-an-at-home-yoga-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating Your Home Yoga Studio (and Tips To Get On The Mat)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re deep in the pattern of going to the same studio for years, 6 days a week, disciplining yourself for a home practice is quite an adjustment period. Just the thought of it can cause some anxiety and bring up issues of attachment and dependency.<\/p>\n

We should all be ready for this to happen. Whether it\u2019s because we no longer resonate with a space, a teacher, or we’re moving away, this is a situation that we should be prepared to take on at any moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s liberating when it\u2019s realized that your practice is always with you and can be taken anywhere.<\/strong> That is one of the gifts of Ashtanga.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s quite beautiful, really. No matter where we go in the world, we bring our practice, and automatically connect to a family.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have experience in moving my practice from a studio to my home. These steps below should help make the transition smooth and simple:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Create an Altar<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your altar should have pictures of Guru\u2019s and anyone else that inspires you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Add miniature statues of deities or any trinkets that inspire you. <\/span><\/p>\n

I have a picture of Patthabi Jois, Krishnamacharya, and Buddha. I also have a statue of Green Tara that I got from Nepal. Two little rocks; one says strength and the other wisdom. I have a painting my friend Candice painted me, an OM candle holder my friend Wendy gave me, and a Shiva statue my mom got me. Then, I added few other candles, and some rocks I have collected from retreat centers. I recently created a vision board and now keep that hung above the altar.<\/p>\n

Update<\/strong>: I recently added Ani DiFranco, Gala Darling, and Marie Forleo because they’ve been more modern spiritual guides for me.<\/p>\n

Make your altar special and personal, and keep your altar and Shala clean.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Usually altars are low to the ground, but you can use any kind of desk.<\/p>\n

Make sure the dieties are on the altar and not the floor, they should always be above you.<\/p>\n

I use an antique desk my parents gave me. It works out perfect because I have drawers where I keep spare candles, incense, and tea lites. <\/p>\n

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Just hop on the mat:<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Consistency is an important aspect to practice<\/strong>. In the beginning, don\u2019t worry about getting on the mat at the same time everyday, but just be consistent about fitting it in at some point in the day.  <\/p>\n

As time goes on, schedule your practice in at the same time, and show up.<\/p>\n

This creates discipline that will radiate in other areas of your life.  <\/p>\n

As you continue to recommit daily, the consistency will become easier and more refined.<\/p>\n

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Accept Where You Are, Forgive Yourself, and Recommit Everyday<\/span>:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When you begin an at home practice with no teacher or students around, you might feel frustrated that your energy is low or that you give up early. <\/span><\/p>\n

You might have a hard time getting on the mat some days or skip practice all together. <\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that the intention is what’s important.  <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

As long as your intention is to get on the mat and practice, then you are practicing yoga. It doesn\u2019t matter if you just practice for a few minutes, or if you are can’t make it to the mat that day. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you just roll out your mat and do the opening mantra or Balasana, then you are practicing yoga. <\/span><\/p>\n

During a Kino MacGreggor workshop I attended, she mentioned that Pattabhi Jois considered five sets of Surya Namaskara A&B (Sun Salutations) along with the three final postures a full practice. <\/span><\/p>\n

Try to utilize all of your options to take practice, and don’t beat yourself up if you are short on time. <\/span>Just do what you can. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Yoga is a practice of self-inquiry, so as long as you take responsibility, forgive yourself, make the changes, and set the intentions and recommit everyday; you will experience the fruits of the practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experiment with ways to be your own teacher: <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m not a big fan of props or modifications, but sometimes they are necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

At a studio or shala, the teacher is the one to give you adjustments, help you understand what is going on in your body, and guide you into postures.  <\/span><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re practicing at home, you have to be your own teacher. Sometimes a prop can help with this, but I recommend using a prop only as a guide to help you understand the posture, and to work on it both ways at home. <\/span><\/p>\n

Props should never be a substitute for a posture, but only as a guide.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

Props should only be used on occasion, and it\u2019s just a way of experimenting with self-adjustments in an at home practice setting. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tips that have helped me get on the mat when times are tough:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n