5 Steps to Create The Perfect Home Yoga Space

Having a place of sanctuary right now is pretty key.  We are in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and yoga studios are closed, kids are home from school, and no one can sit down at restaurants.  So how do we find a place to calm our minds, tell ourselves it will be o.k. or even cry some tears when it all feels overwhelming?  We create; that’s what we do!

1. First thing you have to do is CLEAN!  Before diving into your practice or workout take time to sweep, mop, dust the shelves, open the windows and let some fresh air in.  Cleaning your space is just as important as the practice itself.  It will help you know what the space is specifically for and keep you focused on just that.
2. ORGANIZE!  Pick up any clutter.  Place books, magazines, pillows and blankets into cabinets or neat piles that look put together and don’t disturb your eyes.  This way there will be less distractions both visually and mentally thinking I really should put those away.
3. Find MEANING!  Find a direction to face that feels right.  Maybe the floor slants or the sun comes in a particular way and you feel better facing one direction vs. another creating a focal point.  Then at the top of your mat, make it SACRED!  Place pictures, memories, rocks, candles, dolls, flowers.  Use anything that helps you feel at peace, evokes love, gives you joy, or helps you feel grounded.
4. Have what you NEED!  You may end up doing yoga and other activities that require props and equipment.  So make sure you have your blocks, blankets, bolster, strap, yoga mat, weights, Pilates ring, theraband, and maybe a ball.  The last thing you want to do is waste time trying to find something in the middle of your practice/workout.
5. RITUALIZE! Before starting your activity, do something that will give you a boundary, a ritual that you do each and every time.  Say a Mantra or prayer.  Put up a sign, “Do Not Disturb.” Close the door, and draw a line on the floor “Do not cross until practice is over!”  Find a way to put up a boundary around your practice so you can keep distractions at bay.

Home practices present a multitude of challenges that your local studio has eliminated for you.  So now that we have to spend some serious time at home we should make the best of it and see if we can vibe up our space until we can get back to the studios.  But until then…..Om is where the heart is.