Developing A Home
Yoga Practice

Life often has a way of keeping us from making it to a yoga class. What's a devoted yogini or yogi to do? Practice at home!

Even with all the will in the world, even the most disciplined among us often find our home practice amounting to something that is well short of what we envisioned when we first stepped onto the mat. Yet it is still possible to get in a good practice at home. Here are five tips on how:

1. Create a favorable space. Ideally, you will be able to create a space in your home that you associate with the qualities you are cultivating in your practice. It should not be your workspace. If possible, use a hardwood floor or other firm surface. If all you have is carpet, go to the lumber yard and have a sheet of half-inch plywood ripped to 2'x7', sand down the rough edges and you have a portable hardwood surface! Now light some candles, set your music and get the room temperature just right. If it is winter and you have a fireplace, light a fire. If you have an outdoor deck and it's comfortable being outdoors, considering an outside practice.

2. Commit to a definite amount of time. 10 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour - it doesn't matter except for the commitment.

3. Minimize distractions. Turn off ringers, computers and other unnecessary devices that could take you out of your practice. If you have a lot of tasks competing for your time, write a to-do list before you begin your practice and then let it go, knowing you'll give it all much better focus once you've completed your practice.

4. Plan your practice. Even if your plan is to do a "spontaneous flow," give yourself a sense of at least that. If you find using an instructional yoga DVD or CD helpful, then consider using it. Also consider gradually weaning yourself from it, making your practice more of your own practice.

5. Set clear intention. Begin your practice either sitting or standing, taking a moment with palms together at your heart center. Take a few breaths to simply relax and find a place of deeper inner calm. Tell yourself that intention, seal it into your heart and then release into your practice.