The hardest part of home practice is starting. Once I actually step onto my yoga mat, I’ve already won. Is that true for you too? So what can I do to make it easier to step onto my mat? Here’s my list: Don’t delay. If I wake up any time after 6 a.m., no snuggling back under the covers. Instead, without debating with myself, I just sit up and start.
Hi Lizzie, all oh so true. Have had a yoga meditation room for oh so many years. But what with retiring and downsizing, am now in a tiny one bedroom apartment. Made the decision this morning to give away furniture to make space for my yoga practice. Thank you for who you are and all you do. Xo galeofgreenerpastures
Because I teach, I rarely attend a class with a real live teacher. So I like to follow a set asana practice, 30 days or so with someone else leading me.
Each morning I have found before I head to the mat my body needs to be sitting upright … my couch in my bedroom is that spot … I snuggle under a warm blanket with my cup of coffee and spend time in prayer and reading inspirational readings, journaling if something strikes me. It’s taken a while to realize my physical body needs this easing in … once that is done I either simply roll out the mat I keep under my bed (which my dogs promptly get on before I even have a chance), or I go to my yoga space that has a mat and props set up in front of my altar. What helps sometimes is if I have an asana practice planned - a video helps. But, if not simply stepping onto my mat and doing my set sequence of warmups helps me get going. I also give myself grace for those times that my couch sit is what my Sadhana is for that day.
It used to not be like that for me but for some reason this winter is hard on me. Just not feeling motivated.
I also like the clothes thing. I get up, take a shower and just put on yoga pants which works like a subconscious cue.
The other thing I do and really like is a little more whacky. I often start something in the shower and the bathroom, like downward dog against a wall or plank at the sink. I find lots of little teasers I can do. It feels warm and makes me laugh and mostly makes me want to continue on the mat.
Getting dressed for yoga, on purpose. I find that putting on proper clothes to practice in, and tying my hair back gets me ready to step on my mat. I have also made it a non-negotiable action. While I do not worry about the length, or strength of the practice, I make a point to do something. Inevitably cat and cow leads to downward facing dog which morphs into some iteration of sun salutations and so on, and so on.
I’m starting my home practice, Monday, January 15th. I cleaned my in home yoga studio today. Alarm is set. I always make my cup of morning coffee before my morning meditation. I love to hold my coffee while I’m meditating. After a sip or two of coffee I start my morning home yoga practice. Looking forward to once again embracing my morning home restorative yoga practice. ❤️
My yoga room. When we downsized, I insisted on space for yoga. So the room doubles as an office, but my mat is always on the floor. Just a few steps from the bedroom. I set my alarm for an hour early so I can get up and go to the room. It's the one time of day when I can be quiet, where I can do what I need to do to feel good physically, where I can meditate. It's my time.
Beautiful meaningful list. I have excuses now because I am in italy and it is cold and dark in winter it is more difficult to get out of bed. Same not having wine the night before it is difficult in italy. All much more applicable when I am in Bali and mornings invite to prayerful meditative start. And drinking wine is not a common habit. So your message is very precious te me. Good reminder and insight. Thanks for sharing. Inspiring.
Me too, I start my day with Sudarshan kya and Sahaj meditation and it get my day started just right! A quiet place in my house works or wherever I may be! Thanks for sharing your gift with us.
Yes, the getting the yoga clothes on… a great cue and bathroom teasers! As well as knowing a will be teaching a group of students who are enthusiastic and want to learn asana makes me want to learn more too. And I know it only comes through practice, practice, practice!! Yay!
Hi Lizzie, all oh so true. Have had a yoga meditation room for oh so many years. But what with retiring and downsizing, am now in a tiny one bedroom apartment. Made the decision this morning to give away furniture to make space for my yoga practice. Thank you for who you are and all you do. Xo galeofgreenerpastures
When I'm not feeling it, I like to start with happy baby. I know I can always do that, and it's fun.
Because I teach, I rarely attend a class with a real live teacher. So I like to follow a set asana practice, 30 days or so with someone else leading me.
Each morning I have found before I head to the mat my body needs to be sitting upright … my couch in my bedroom is that spot … I snuggle under a warm blanket with my cup of coffee and spend time in prayer and reading inspirational readings, journaling if something strikes me. It’s taken a while to realize my physical body needs this easing in … once that is done I either simply roll out the mat I keep under my bed (which my dogs promptly get on before I even have a chance), or I go to my yoga space that has a mat and props set up in front of my altar. What helps sometimes is if I have an asana practice planned - a video helps. But, if not simply stepping onto my mat and doing my set sequence of warmups helps me get going. I also give myself grace for those times that my couch sit is what my Sadhana is for that day.
OMG, so true! The hardest part is simply stepping onto my mat. Once there, 10 minutes easily becomes 20 and more. It feels like coming home.
It used to not be like that for me but for some reason this winter is hard on me. Just not feeling motivated.
I also like the clothes thing. I get up, take a shower and just put on yoga pants which works like a subconscious cue.
The other thing I do and really like is a little more whacky. I often start something in the shower and the bathroom, like downward dog against a wall or plank at the sink. I find lots of little teasers I can do. It feels warm and makes me laugh and mostly makes me want to continue on the mat.
Seeing my cat tending to its needs and that inspires my practice
Getting dressed for yoga, on purpose. I find that putting on proper clothes to practice in, and tying my hair back gets me ready to step on my mat. I have also made it a non-negotiable action. While I do not worry about the length, or strength of the practice, I make a point to do something. Inevitably cat and cow leads to downward facing dog which morphs into some iteration of sun salutations and so on, and so on.
I’m starting my home practice, Monday, January 15th. I cleaned my in home yoga studio today. Alarm is set. I always make my cup of morning coffee before my morning meditation. I love to hold my coffee while I’m meditating. After a sip or two of coffee I start my morning home yoga practice. Looking forward to once again embracing my morning home restorative yoga practice. ❤️
My yoga room. When we downsized, I insisted on space for yoga. So the room doubles as an office, but my mat is always on the floor. Just a few steps from the bedroom. I set my alarm for an hour early so I can get up and go to the room. It's the one time of day when I can be quiet, where I can do what I need to do to feel good physically, where I can meditate. It's my time.
Grazie Lizzi
Beautiful meaningful list. I have excuses now because I am in italy and it is cold and dark in winter it is more difficult to get out of bed. Same not having wine the night before it is difficult in italy. All much more applicable when I am in Bali and mornings invite to prayerful meditative start. And drinking wine is not a common habit. So your message is very precious te me. Good reminder and insight. Thanks for sharing. Inspiring.
Me too, I start my day with Sudarshan kya and Sahaj meditation and it get my day started just right! A quiet place in my house works or wherever I may be! Thanks for sharing your gift with us.
Hi Lizzie,
Yes, the getting the yoga clothes on… a great cue and bathroom teasers! As well as knowing a will be teaching a group of students who are enthusiastic and want to learn asana makes me want to learn more too. And I know it only comes through practice, practice, practice!! Yay!