Set Up Your Home For a Peaceful Yoga Practice
Having a special place in your home to practice yoga poses, meditation, or just some simple stretching on the floor is beneficial to your overall physical and mental well-being.
B.K.S. Iyengar says, “Balance in the body is the foundation for balance in life.”
You don’t need an entire room dedicated to yoga; sometimes all it takes are a few small details to set the stage for a meaningful practice. Follow these three simple steps for setting up your own home Shala.
Create Space
If you don’t have an entire room available to you, find a corner of your home that you can transform into your own special sanctuary. Vacuum, dust, declutter. Lay out your mat and any props you’ll need for your practice. If you like, have a few of your favorite gem stones or crystals near. Perhaps some plants. And let your roommates, partner, or pets know you’ll need some personal space for the next 30-60 minutes.
2. Set the Mood
Burning incense or a scented candle, diffusing essential oils, or placing fresh-cut flowers near your practice space can be a special way to set the mood and demarcate this time you scheduled for yourself. Decide on lighting–are you trying to wake up and get energized? Practice in a bright sunny space or leave the lights on overhead. Are you looking to wind down or restore? Dim the lights or practice by candlelight. These small details can make a big difference when it comes to getting into the flow state.
3. Add Sound
Start by turning off any unnecessary alerts on your computer and/or put your phone in airplane mode. Then you can pull up your favorite Spotify playlist, play with singing bowls, or simply tune into the sounds happening naturally around you–crickets chirping, birds singing, the wind blowing in the trees… It is beneficial to find that sweet spot of sounds that support your practice goals without distracting you from the task at hand.
Bonus Step: Find Inspiration
Your home practice can include literally any sort of movement, meditation, or breath work that calls to you. If a long, ambitious Vinyasa Flow isn’t what you’re feeling today, give yourself permission to lay on your mat and simply tap into your breath. There are so many ways to practice Yoga and what is important is that you follow what you need each day.
But if you are in the mood for a little guidance, this 15 minute flow is the perfect place to start!
