Yoga Home Practice: Have it Your Way

95 Replies

Tools in my yoga corner

Developing a home practice can be challenging.  Usually, I have to feel the stars aligning in order to find the space (mental and physical) to practice at home.  But I know it’s important so lately I have been doubling down my efforts to acknowledge my resistance and work through it.

One of my issues was the space, so I designated a yoga corner in the living room. This way, I don’t have to move furniture in order to practice.  The corner is free and clear of clutter with a mat or two rolled up in the corner, an eye pillow, strap, and usually a few yoga books for reference.

ipillow?

Then I decided there was an overhead hanging lamp in the way of my sun salutations so my fiance removed it.

Obstruction no more

With the yoga corner decluttered and happy it was time to practice.  But where to start?  Sun Salutations seemed like the obvious answer.  And then I realized I could do anything I wanted in this new liberated space.  My personal class can be any length of time and take any sequence I choose.  How fun.

I have decided to make it my yoga work zone.  I am working on poses or transitions that I don’t really take the time to focus on in class because I am “flowing”.  Right now, my focus is lifting from a standing forward bend into handstand (handstand pike press).  I don’t have it yet, but will be sure to let you know when I do!

With the freedom to do anything we want, what do we do?  I am trying to break free of the “what should I do” thinking and just do what I want. Who knew unleashing ourselves could be so challenging?

With a home practice, I think the key is just to get started.  It doesn’t have to be right, or rigorous, or anything really.  It could be a seated meditation.  Decluttering helps to make the space ‘sacred’ and allow for mental and physical freedom.

Namaste!

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95 thoughts on “Yoga Home Practice: Have it Your Way”

  1. yoga-adan

    great points! – “I realized I could do anything I wanted in this new liberated space. My personal class can be any length of time and take any sequence I choose. How fun”

    and of course the challenges!

    be interesting to hear what “surprises” you as you continue ;-)

    my own biggest surprise so far is finding myself surprised i’m continuing!

    Reply ↓
  2. Nana Carrillo

    I used to thinking making it to a yoga class regularly was a challenge. Now, I have one per week in my routine. It is the regular home practice that I have not met the challenge of yet! Thanks for the insight into creating the space for it at home….that just might help!

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  3. Kyle

    Excellent! After a month of commitment I’ve fallen short. No need to lament, I’ll pull up my bootstraps and jump back on the wagon. I know how good it makes me feel. :) It can be hard to make the initial effort… but as soon as the practice starts, it’s obvious how much I need/want it!

    And a pike press handstand?! WOW. I’m still on the wall with handstands. I’ll stick with jumping back to chaturanga from uttanasana for now. :)

    Reply ↓
    1. pilarcarrillo Post author

      Kyle –
      The pike press handstand is a lofty goal. But I feel like I need something to work towards so I can get past a plateau in my practice. I figure it has to be possible or I can die trying :-)
      Glad to hear you did 30 days!

      Reply ↓
  6. liveinhusband

    These are my keys to doing yoga at home.

    1) Problems. If my muscles are tight or if my mind is cluttered, I’ll feel the need to do yoga, especially after shoveling snow for an hour.

    2) Routine. I’ve tried to bring it into my daily routine, which has helped.

    I suspect that once you see the results of your daily practice, you’ll be motivated to continue. As it stands, you’re way beyond me.
    Ryan

    Reply ↓
    1. pilarcarrillo Post author

      Routine is really important…though if we aren’t careful, could lead to mental decline :-) I have never told a class to brush with their non-dominant hand. But sounds fun.

      Reply ↓
  8. purrrentice

    This might seem lame, but I use the mighty power of Netflix for yoga and pilates workouts at home. Timewise and financially, I can’t afford to go to real classes, so I use videos I can watch instantly in my living room!

    Reply ↓
  10. YouGetWellSoon

    I applaud you. I have been meaning to get going with at home yoga for too long. (I personally cannot imagine a clutter-free space in my home but it’s on the to-do list.)
    And you’re developing your own routines – I love it. Freedom can be paralyzing – too many choices. I think it’s great that you’re working through the options to find what works for you.
    You’ve inspired me!

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  11. Dr. Mark Kubert

    “I think the key is just to get started.” You have it right there. Too often we wait and wait for things to be just right instead of starting and then using that momentum to make adjustments as needed.

    And it doesn’t need to be a big space either. Just a corner or a comfy chair to be able to sit and do some simple stretches or relaxation breathing is all that is needed. I frequently encourage patients to adopt a habit of regular relaxation to calm the mind. If you are interested this is a link to a post I wrote on meditation to help show how simple it can be:

    http://chiropractorguelph.com/2010/12/20/just-a-thought-part-2/

    Congratulations on being freshly pressed and keep up the healthy habits.

    Reply ↓
    1. pilarcarrillo Post author

      I read your article and really enjoyed your tips for active relaxation. The fear of not getting things right can so often keep us from getting started. Taking a first step is often in faith. Thanks for checking out my post.

      Reply ↓
  12. elenamusic

    Is there any iPhone apps that you use during Yoga? I ask because you have a picture of your iPhone, and I would like some suggestions.

    When I do yoga at home, I think music really helps me relax and get into the mood. My favorite songs at the moment for yoga are: ATB’s “Malibu Road”, “Horizon”, “Living Life Over”, “Silent Meaning” and I also like the song “Kissing” by Bliss. And “Solar Sailor” from the Tron:Legacy soundtrack is good too. Is there any music you listen to?

    Reply ↓
    1. pilarcarrillo Post author

      I love practicing to music at home. If I want to relax I put on an album called “Bali” by Midori. If I am practicing I like to have music with a bit of a drum beat. I like the songs “Jai’s Dub Shack” by Jai Uttal and “Faith I do believe” by Rusted Root…kinda random. I have been wanting to look into music a bit more lately because I find the right music really is helpful and fun. Thanks for the input. I don’t have an app I use regularly. But if you find a good one. let me know!

      Reply ↓
  13. Deepa

    So I have battled with yoga practice of all kinds (meditation, sun salutations, basic stretches) over the years. One way I found effective was to go on YouTube and search for Yoga tutorials and follow them. I even found a tutorial series by a lady called Dashama/Dashma or something like that. A free mailing list that sends you yoga class assignments for a month. It got me on my toes. But yea – the zone needs to be established. For sure.

    Reply ↓
  14. ahofri35

    I have been doing yoga for a long time now and I struggle so much with inversions and suspending myself. I guess I’m weak despite teh weightlifing? I have trouble with hoee practice too, I am so spoiled by the amaizng yoga place I go. Good luck with your pike press and your practice! Namaste!

    Reply ↓
    1. pilarcarrillo Post author

      That’s great you have an amazing yoga place to go to. Hopefully you can find one when you go off to college. Congratulations on choosing a school! As for inversions…focus on your core strength and then just play around with your center of gravity. I am just treating them like a playful journey..thanks for reading!

      Reply ↓
  17. artwithmeaning

    You’re right…it’s hard to break free to do what we want, when we have the opportunity! I’ve been doing a home practice yoga for over a year now and always try to imitate the “flow” we go through in class, but I think if I allow more space to do as I wish, I’ll look forward more to practicing yoga at home

    Reply ↓
  18. midnitechef

    I tried Yoga on the Wii – that didn’t last very long because I had to pull out the Wii Fit board (which usually needed a charge too), clear a space from toys and furniture, make sure the kids were sleeping or otherwise preoccupied, then begin. I should try it again, the Wii is now in a bedroom which I might manage to keep clear enough for yoga.

    Thanks for the inspiration!
    Cheers xx

    Reply ↓
  21. She's a Maineiac

    Great post! I finally tried yoga a few years ago and I was hooked. I practice it nearly every day now at home. I love the idea of having my own yoga space. I’ll have to work on that…right now I have to put my mat in a tiny corner of the living room, move the ottoman out of the way and make sure I avoid hitting our lovely ceiling fan. It’s worth it though. :)

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  23. halfwayto50

    how great that you can work out at home! I’m not into yoga, but I do a lot of cardio and strength training. I thought I could do it at home but I piddled around for an hour and called it a work out. Turns out taking classes at the gym is a MUST for me to actually get work done!

    Reply ↓
  24. spiritinquire

    great! i am also getting into the habit of a home practice. i find it helpful to set up a playlist before i start that lasts a planned amount of time. the music helps me tune in and the playlist creates a little structure so i’m less likely to get distracted.

    in terms of space my yoga mat doubles as an area rug haha

    Reply ↓
  25. astevens2694

    “With a home practice, I think the key is just to get started. It doesn’t have to be right, or rigorous, or anything really.”

    I think this is true for any new task, very good point! But I also think that once you begin it is critical to asdjust yourself into a sturdier controlled routine. Otherwise, you repeat mistakes and never completely blossom.

    Nonetheless, great post! I have never attempted Yoga, but your calm way of writing about it almost makes me want to start. Well written.

    Reply ↓
    1. DownDogDiva Post author

      Thanks! I appreciate a non yogi taking the time to read my blog and the fact that you might even want to give it a try…I am honored. I agree, with any new task it is good to have a routine, and some discipline. We can learn mistakes pretty quickly and then they are not so quick to undo.

      Reply ↓
  28. Kiersten

    I like the book called “Yoga Mind Body & Spirit” by Donna Farhi. She not only explains very well how to do a lot of poses, but also has illustrations, beginner’s tips, and at the end several practices and good advice on how to make up your own practices. Making your own space, I agree, is a must. Keep at it!

    Reply ↓
  29. acleansurface

    I used to do pilates and yoga before I had a family. Now there never seems to be either the space or the privacy for it. And we we will be downsizing soon, so it it will only get worse!
    I envy you for your yoga corner.

    Reply ↓
    1. DownDogDiva Post author

      Thanks for checking out my post. You have a great blog! I love de-cluttering, as you can tell. Maybe your move will somehow bring space into your life to get back on a mat, if not at home maybe a class?

      Reply ↓
  30. TheEverydayMuser

    I do a little bit of yoga at home, though not much. I usually do just Sun Salutations, sitting in a corner of my room. It’s the easiest way, and since there’s a window there that faces the sun, that’s also the best position.
    I don’t go for yoga classes anymore, though I used to. I remember the actual name for Sun Salutations was Suryanarmaskar, or something of that sort. But, I must say, I admire you for actually taking the effort to do more than Sun Salutations at home. Doing more than that would be beyond me!
    Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!
    Ashley, aka TheEverydayMuser
    http://www.theeverydaymuser.wordpress.com

    Reply ↓
  32. ASJ

    I really want to start doing Yoga. I have been saying that for years. I have never heard anyone say, “Man, I hate Yoga”. Thank you for reminding me!

    Reply ↓
  33. lifeofaphoenix

    I just started doing yoga at home this past week. When I read your blog I thought “wow Im not alone!” As many others have commented I also use ondemand videos! Ive found that if I do my yoga right before bed I sleep so much better and feel much more centered at work the next day!

    Reply ↓
    1. DownDogDiva Post author

      I love to hear how much people are doing yoga at home with videos and online classes. There is a Yoga Journal DVD called “Yoga for Wellbeing” which has a good segment on yoga for restful sleep. Enjoy your home practice!

      Reply ↓
  35. Trinity River

    I Like two words in you post are even better than the others. Uncluttered and freedom. Been “planning” to make a space for yoga in my home for years now. It’s time for action! Congratulations on Freshly pressed.

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  36. Diary of a Rangers Wife

    Great Post, very true! This is true with any type of exercise. I feel that people are so intimidated by exercise so they simply never face it when in reality you could just go outside for a fifteen minute walk or bike ride- anything active that you enjoy (key word) and it will be better for you then nothing!

    Congrats on FP!

    Reply ↓
  38. Admin

    Having been to Yoga classes for years with all kinds of different teachers/schools almost all of my Yoga is now done at home first thing in the morning. I’ve developed a routine that really suits me and the interesting thing is that on your own, you get through the asanas much more quickly than in a class. I find that in 15 mins I do a comprehensive workout with 4-5 breaths in each pose. True, I might not choose the asanas I’m not so keen on and there’s nobody to correct my mistakes, but it really sets me up for the day. I take a class about once a year now. You should definitely pursue it!
    (PS Love your cushion.)

    Reply ↓
  40. libraryscene

    Nice posts! My favorite place to do yoga is outside with the blue sky above me. I’m certain my neighbors think I’m nuts as I do downward dog in our parking area after jogging with the dog (and its only 30 degrees), but the open air allows m but I did te to just be..
    (p.s. I’ve heard there is a great yoga app for .99, you may want to check it out–you can choose you poses and it can be set to music and,or, direction)
    ~om shanti

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  43. conscientiousness

    I love yoga but I don’t have dicipline nor do I have the money or time. I try to do the 5 point star. I am going to incorporate it into the begining of meetings so that I get the blood flowing and the minds working of my employees. Also, three deep, belly breaths seem to be rejuvinating.

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  44. Jasmine Pulido

    Just the entry I needed to read today! I’ve been thinking of doing this myself and that EXACT question has been what’s stopping me, “What SHOULD I do??”. I feel like I don’t know what I’d do so I figure I’m not pro enough to do that yet. I never even thought how I could just roll with it, minus guided instruction. How liberating a thought!

    Thanks for the post! I’ll keep an eye out for more.

    Reply ↓

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  47. yasoup

    Wow! I’ve been in a yoga class for a few weeks and l0ve it…but I can never get motivated to do it in my home…maybe because of the animals and people…now I have an idea, to make my own corner!

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  48. anniespickns

    When I became unemployed I couldn’t afford class anymore and so I turned to what I had learned in class over the years and started a home practice. Now that I am working again I still treasure my home practice. I can do it whenever I choose and do the poses my body feels like it needs. Class is great but my home practice is wonderful. I hope that as you develop your home practice you will treasure that time as much as I do.

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  49. pattyabr

    Thanks for the inspiration to keep at it. I self taught myself yoga at home from Richard Hittelman’s books 20 years ago. He had great pictures. The discipline comes and goes for me now. Three or four basic moves done several times are enough to loosen up and relax for bedtime. Nice pictures :)

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  51. goodatlife

    I practice yoga at home, and it’s fabulous! I also had a trial and error period creating the right amount of space, but once I overcame that feat, yoga at home became too easy not to do! Thanks for the tips and info. Best, dara

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  54. yoga-adan

    it’s been 5 days since i first commented on your timely post and, by thinking more about what my long time home practice is, plus what i’d like it to be, i’ve explored my self practice more, and found more to recognize and enjoy – thank you ;-)

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  55. CrystalSpins

    “With the freedom to do anything we want, what do we do?”

    Great question. Ever since I graduated from college (and have been homework-free) I have found myself asking some version of this question when I have free time. I find I am often crippled by indecision.

    Good luck with the hand-stands!
    Crystal

    Reply ↓

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