Part 2: Growing a Yoga Practice at Home
My mat lay in its place unfurled and inviting, sprawled across the floor. I walked by it several times a day to look at the backyard, grab a snack, teach from my dining room table, read the news in horror. I was in shock. The knowing feeling that we were on a collision course with the universe had never been more true. The interactive map that charted the spread of the Corona Virus was morphing at light speed in what felt like a 1980’s disaster movie. The pandemic was real.
I began meditating to temper the anxiety. At 6 a.m., I sat silently in the dark, not seeking, not grasping, not seeking, sitting. A few months in, I was ready for my first online class. It was beautiful, but I never did it again. The pressure of being online, on zoom for one more minute was more than I could bear. I wasn’t sure I would get through this with a functioning yoga practice.
I know that I’m not alone, people are crying out from their yoga mats at the loss of motivation. Many of us spent those early days sleeping, processing and, trying to come to grips with learning how to work from home and fighting for our roll of toilet paper. Eternally exhausted. Yoga was and is available, and has transitioned smoothly to a new online platform. It is the saving grace for many and for those like me that are slow processors.
My movements started happening again. I practiced intuitively, drawing from muscle memory and meditative breathing; looking inside allowed my body to tell what to do next. Yoga found me once more and cradled me when I needed comfort. Yoga practice revealed the way to thrive under the pressures of the unknown.
Benefits of Consistent Yoga Practice
MENTAL HEALTH
The mind-body connection in yoga is undeniable to anyone who has ever felt the ease and grace of a Warrior One. You become at once the embodiment of strength and agility, your heart lifts, and you become physical geometry. It is powerful. But there is more happening in the spaces between each breath; you are communing with your higher sense of self. Focusing on breath and movement becomes a moving meditation. It is the perfect medicine for heartache, anxiety, and depression as the breath provides more oxygen to the brain. You access mental clarity. Asana utilizes every molecule of your body. The two working together create an ease that is difficult to achieve otherwise. The effects of practicing yoga are exponential, and regular practice results in a gradual improvement in mood and overall well-being.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Yoga is one of the most open, intuitive, and gentle ways to explore the full range of movement and motion. It cares for the needs of all people of difference. Many have not experienced that open invitation and intention. Still, all things considered, there is a powerful shift and growing movement that is sweeping away the cobwebs and dust away from antiquated mindsets. Moving and breathing are the combinations that will deliver us the most significant access to prana, the universal life energy.
In yoga, you can go deep or gentle. Finding a practice that is challenging yet loving to your body is essential. Try to avoid hyper-criticizing or comparing your journey to the journeys and experiences of others. We are all unique, and our bodies have different needs. Use asana instruction as guiding principles and not rigid constructs. Be mindful of your body as you will always be your best teacher.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
Developing a spiritual practice does not mean that you have to change, violate, or adopt a new religion. Yoga is not a religion, although there is an undeniable connection to an ancient and indigenous religious practice and philosophy. It all depends on your intention, and this is where you can truly individualize your yoga practice and how it moves you. Your choice is personal; let your heart and intuition guide you.
Navigating Distance Learning
While there are still very few in-person classes available, other options such as live or pre-recorded online courses, outdoor self-guided, and intuitive ways are available to continue to build a dynamic practice.
LIVE ZOOM CLASSES
Online, live classes are the first place to source teachers that you have practiced with in the past. Many, if not all, teachers offer some sort of Zoom or other live-streamed yoga class. You may want to check with your old studio. Many have taken the position of facilitating sessions for instructors. Some still offer subscriptions.
Connecting with the teacher personally is also an option as there is a wave of offers from some terrific teachers. The sign-in protocol and access are generally different based on the teacher, but check out their websites and socials to get details and inspiration. Many teachers are very creative and take on yoga themes that focus on issues like social justice and accessibility.
Be prepared to be seen as many teachers ask that cameras are on to create and build community. Generally, this is not a problem but something to consider if you are sensitive about privacy. Most of these classes are very good at creating community.
PRE-RECORDED
Pre-Recorded video is another option for those that prefer to practice more independently. These classes can often be a lot cheaper than live sessions. I have always maintained an account with Alo Moves, even with my in-person membership. I liked to use the video classes to get me through when I was unable to attend my early morning and late evening sessions. They don’t disappoint when it comes to variety or mastering various elements of asana practice.
OUTDOOR POP-UPS
While this may not be available to everyone, either because of restrictions or immune-compromised immune systems, smaller pods are organized by friend groups to help facilitate classes and keep everyone motivated. I would recommend caution for now but use your best judgment.
SELF GUIDED PRACTICE
Another option, particularly if you want to learn more about asana. Some excellent books are available to help you create progressively challenging and comprehensive training. Trying a combination of both can lead to a stronger practice. I maintained a self-guided practice for 8 years and it was the true beginning of my love for yoga.
INTUITIVE PRACTICE
Just get on the mat and move. Trust that your body knows what it needs and move accordingly. I developed this mindset much later in my practice, but I encourage you to start practicing intuitively as much as possible. Learning to listen to your heart as your inner teacher is a skill that will boost your confidence and ability to maintain peace on and off the mat.
Bringing the Studio Home
As you dive deeper into your practice, your yoga space becomes a more sacred and valued part of your life, providing you have the room to establish it. I have a very minimalist decorating approach, and the perfect practice spot presented itself to me. It feels more inviting to have a designated area that I can call my yoga home.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
The basics are easy. A mat is all that is needed. Almost everything else can be improvised if you are just beginning. I have practiced with many yoga mats in the past ranging from a 99 Cents store special to my current Manduka Pro, and everything in between. The Manduka Pro takes time to break in but is perfect in every way. And because of my height, I always found myself drifting off of my mat with toes or forehead on the floor. Standard-sized mats were very limiting to me, so I splurged and bought a pricey Manduka Pro. It took some doing but after its initial salting with regular use and cleaning, it feels perfect for me.
It’s thicker than I am used to, but it’s not overly cushiony, which I have never liked. It isn’t conducive to travel because it is heavy, but for regular practice, it’s perfect. I have a Jade yoga travel mat that I love for travel as it fits in my bike basket. Everything else can be improvised. If you are serious about growing in your practice I recommend spending money on your mat and improvise other props if you have to make budgetary choices.
NICE THINGS TO HAVE
I used to frown at props. I had this very rigid style that I am still nursing my way out of. Props are not just nice to have but for many are a necessary thing to integrate into your practice. They can actually be invigorating to a more established practice. At the top of my list are yoga blocks. I love cork because it is a renewable resource and I prefer to purchase sustainably. But you can always use a stack of books or buy a set of blocks ranging from wood to foam.
A strap is another at the top of my list. Learning to listen to your body and understand the intention of each asana is important. Using a strap increases your range of motion without causing strained muscle injuries and uses the force of breath to go deeper.
SPLURGES
I recently purchased a set of natural cork rollers for my myofascial release and I am in love with them. I can target every muscle group and they are sustainable and beautiful. Myofascial release is one of those practices that combined with yoga or any form of exercise helps to warm, tone, and loosen up the tightness that we feel due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
A folding chair can add a new dimension to your practice and bring a new level and element of support. While nearly any folding chair will do, the one designed for yoga only has a bar at the top which can give you more room to pad your body against the chair. I recommend trying it out somehow before making the investment because the humble and literal pain in the ass is kind of pricey.
The headstand bench is at the top of my wish list. I love headstand inversions, but I also have a 20-year-old cervical spinal injury (mostly healed), so I practice inversions cautiously. I would love to invert with the abandonment of a child, but there is some level of caution that the bench helps to minimize. My 46-year-old self is eager to maintain full mobility and health as long as possible, so I weigh the risks that I take with my mobility very carefully.
I value being able to maintain an active lifestyle as long as I can, but there is nothing else that I have done that has the same mind, body, and soul connection as practicing yoga. In times like these where my nerves are easily rattled and my heart sinks just as fast as it rises I continue to search for balance, restoration, and peace.
