Yoga in your Lounge Room – Creating a space to practice during Lockdown
Whether your yoga mat is in a tiny hallway, next to your bed and partner’s shoes, between your couch and the TV or in that messy spare room, personalising your space in the smallest of ways can make the place where you practice special.
Find something that has meaning for you – maybe a photo, that memento from a holiday, jewellery or gift from a friend. Place it in front of you at the top of the mat. Depending on your bhava (mood) you can always add something extra at anytime, fresh flowers or a book that you’ve found inspirational or even lighting a candle for someone you’re thinking about.
The top of your mat is your drishti (gaze point) as you begin to flow. It’s your Point of reference, a place of honour. This space is a representation of you and why you are choosing to sit here on a mat. It’s creating, defining and reminding you of, well you! Yoga is a practice of turning inward getting to know yourself, becoming self-aware and peeling away the layers that conceal you (consciously or unconsciously).
Ritual is such a wonderful part of life and luckily if we choose to, yoga gives us the opportunity to create our own daily ritual or act of devotion. Sometimes the smallest of rituals have the most resonance. Celebrating the ordinary is rather extraordinary in so many unexpected and beautiful ways, least of all the chance to truly become more present.
Some people refer to this created space as an altar, others a mandala, I like to refer to it as my own personal yantra which is a type of mystical diagram that dates back to the tantric traditions. Creating my own version of a yantra pays respect to this great age-old practice of yoga. Yantras are said to be protection from harmful influences as well as attracting powerful benefits like abundance and prosperity…. and who doesn’t need a bit of abundance and prosperity at the moment.
It’s also highly recommended that before you begin to move, you sit for a bit, maybe drinking a cup of tea, (there’s a beautiful analogy of how tea connects you to the earth and nature). By sipping on your tea you are already instigating tranquillity, harmony and respect for what’s around you, which underlines the deeper narrative of yoga being unity and oneness.
As you sit in this way you begin to embrace- the art of slowing down. This is the moment to set an intention for your practice.
What’s inspiring you?
What’s moving you?
What can you celebrate today?
And as you begin to let your breath draw you inward – the space, the ritual, this moment in time becomes your sadhana (your own personal practice). It’s your ode to your yourself- participation in life as it is right here, right now. Giving some self-care, importance and energy is the kindest thing you can do for yourself and the gift that arises is a lightness of being. However fleeting, this lightness feels joyful, meaningful and well, magnificent.
Oh, and what to wear? Absolutely anything you want when you’re practising alone - something comfortable that allows your body freedom to move and doesn’t distract you. I did attempt my practice in a new flowing dress I desperately wanted to wear during lockdown. Hmmm…I wouldn’t recommend it, however, it’s now at the top of my mat waiting with me for its special debut.
Whether you play music or not (Spotify has some great yoga playlists), freestyle your flow or move with an online teacher, this time on your mat is uniquely yours.
As you finish your practice, post savasana, I invite you to come back to your intention. Maybe if you have inspiration cards, now is the time to pick one and ponder the synchronicity. Observe your softness of breath, softness of touch and a surrendering of your mind to your heart. Silently say Namaste, maybe chant an OM or even sing, whatever makes you smile.
Become empowered by your practice space. Remember, creating a ritual for reflection and repeating it consistently is life changing. Even in your own lounge room. Enjoy!
