Setting the Stage for a Home Practice

By Brooke Hewes, 4-04-08

Considering last week’s “Inspiring Reasons to Practice Yoga at Home,” it’s fair to say that a personal practice is worth exploring. Rolling out your mat at home, on your own schedule and in a way that supports your body/mind, bolsters all aspects of your yoga practice.

Now, it’s just a matter of preparing a place—which in some people’s homes, may be amid clutter, ringing telephones, buzzing TVs, and full cookie jars within reach of extended finger tips in Virabhadrasana (warrior pose). Regardless of surroundings, however, you can create a small, peaceful place to practice just about anywhere.

First, pick a spot. As mentioned last time, yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar in his book Light on Yoga suggests choosing “a clean, airy place.” Yoga teacher Donna Farhi in Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit adds that this space should also be free of dust and insects. Most teachers I know also advise selecting well-ventilated and well-lit locations.

Theoretically, of course, you aren’t paying attention to your surroundings—your focus and gaze (dristi) are more internal than external; yoga, after all, cultivates internal awareness of body, mind, breath and spirit. Still, a soothing, clean practice space can support these efforts. (And believe me, attention easily wanders to the dust bunny or spider web in the corner if you don’t tidy up before coming to Samasthiti.) Also, consider the orientation of the room, proximity to natural light and number of electronic devices—all of which can affect the energy of your space and practice. Even wall color is worth contemplating.

If you have the luxury of a yoga room, be deliberate with the type and color of paint that you use on the walls. In my space, three of the walls are an orangey yellow. The hue is earthy and warm, and I face one of these walls during winter months when I tend to feel sun-deprived and sluggish. During the summer, I face the north-facing blue wall; the cool color balances the hot, blaring sun—and, in a season when I spend time with my feet and hands in or upon the earth (gardening, hiking, picnicking), the sky-tinted hue complements this natural grounding, aponic energy. In addition to color, I certainly recommend considering content. I used solvent-free, chemical-free clay paint (Biosheild Natural Paints). The last thing you want to worry about while practicing is inhaling toxic fumes.

Now, clear a spot. In his book Yoga: Immortality and Freedom, yoga scholar Mircea Eliade says that the goal of yoga—liberation—“cannot occur if one is not first detached for the world.” Though this detachment is spiritual, starting with the more tangible and mundane physical space around you is a bit less daunting than shooting for transcendence right off the bat. Settle the energy in your space by turning off the T.V. and shutting off the ringer on your phone. This is your time, and wincing at messages as they play aloud during sun salutations does not encourage Eliade’s detachment—experience has taught me that once the message machine starts speaking, the monkey mind will take its cues and start ruminating.

• Farhi offers these additional suggestions as ways to sanctify your yoga space:
• Place a fresh flower in a “bud vase” beside your mat.
• Make an arrangement of objects of signification. This could be as simple as a plain bowl filled with bright yellow lemon or a collection of seashells, stones or small statues of deities.
• Keep a small plant and tend to it before you practice.
• Hand a picture of someone who has inspired you. If there are religious or spiritual teachers who are central to your life, give them a place in your practice space. If there are mentors or friends who have supported and helped you, their presence here may help you during times of difficulty.
  Source: Yoga Body, Mind & Spirit

Now, clear your body. Both Farhi and Iyengar, as well as countless yogis I know, suggest rinsing off before practicing. Not only does this clear the body of smell and sweat, but warm water gently soothes and opens muscles. Baths and showers are also refreshing and invigorating if energy is low.

It is advisable to practice on an empty stomach, empty bladder and empty bowels. Also, clothing shouldn’t be restrictive and your space should be warm. (Temperature suggestions vary from sequence to sequence.)

Gather what you need. Be it bolster, block, blanket, or candle, gather props and decorative items before practicing so that you don’t have to interrupt your sequence, which may muddle your meditation, concentration and breath.

Lay Down Your Mat. In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, practitioners are advised to face east, the direction of the rising sun. At home, however, I face south or north because that’s the only way my mat will fit. (And, as my teacher says, my north and south are someone else’s east.) Randa Chehab, owner of Down to Earth Yoga in Bozeman, Montana, lights a candle and places it four feet in front of her mat. I also do this, as I find the single light suggests the single, universal consciousness I seek connection with through my practice.  Plus, according to the yoga shastra (authoritative texts), God dwells in our hearts in the form of light.

Practice. Find an instructional DVD, create your own sequence online using Yoga Journal’s sequence builder, or practice from memory. Practicing at home lends time to linger and try new postures.

Have fun and play safe. And remember, you need not be a Feng Shui master to clear a little corner of your house for asana, mediation or any other form of yoga. Common sense, intuition and a tendency toward tidiness are your best tools.

Related Resources:

• Yoga Journal Pose Finder, where you can build a personalized sequence.
• Follow along to Yoga Today’s free online yoga podcasts.
• Feng Shui and Yoga
• Rodney Yee’s yoga DVDs for all levels and experience.