Tips on Building a Yoga Home Practice

Practicing yoga alone beyond the walls of a studio and the company of fellow yogis can be daunting as many of us don't know where to start, preferring to leave the job to a qualified yoga teacher instead. We may not know the appropriate sequencing and may lack the discipline or knowledge, without the watchful eye, safe adjustments, and clear cues from an experienced teacher to embark on or to stick to yoga.

Traditionally, yoga is learned from a teacher, or Guru, who has experienced and walked the path. This lineage from teacher to student is how knowledge is transmitted, since thousands of years ago. The word Guru means to dispel darkness or ignorance.

However, in today's modern world, there are many people who are without access to yoga teachers or studios where they can learn yoga the way it was supposed to be taught. All these factors and more, are what leads to having a home practice that enables us to practice freely without constraint, in times when going to the studio is challenging or even impossible.

Here are some tips for starting your own home practice:

1) Get the basic stuff first.

Yoga mat. Towel. Blocks. Ropes. These are a few basic essentials and optionals that you will need to begin a practice with. A basic mat doesn't cost very much, or you could invest in a better mat for long term. Always try it out firsthand and look out for reviews before you purchase to make sure it's suitable for you. As for attire, tees and shorts or Lulus-- you decide what you're comfortable with!

2) Find a conducive spot for yoga.

You need not specially call up your contractor for a renovation. A space that is neat, clean and de-cluttered, can be a place for practice. There should be preferably some sunlight and away from sources of distraction such as the television or common areas where people congregate. It can be outdoors, under some shade. You should find that place comfortable and where you are able to focus and find calmness. Pictures and items that bring inner peace and serenity can be placed within visible range. Ensure that the place is free from hazards and is safe for an injury-free practice.

3) Find a good time of the day to do yoga.

It is better to practice than never. The best times to practice yoga are early in the day or in the evening after a day's work. If you find that for whatever reasons it's difficult to practice at those ideal times, practice when it's most convenient for you and make that a habit. Facilitate the introduction of new habits by making it easy to adopt and follow through. Read the first line again.

4) Look for sources.

There are a lot of material available from books, videos, especially the internet that makes yoga very accessible today. For a start, you may select yoga sessions that are suitable for your level and goal from sources such as Youtube and other popular yoga apps. They are usually free or cost a fairly affordable amount to register. All you need is your laptop or tablet as you play the videos and practice along with it. Over time, with some experience, you may work with yoga sequences that you are familiar with or fancy, or even create your own sequences depending on your goals and preferences, without having to follow videos. Tips on diet, lifestyle, ways on how to lead more holistic way of living are available on the internet as well.

5) Find a yoga community for support.

Practicing by yourself, without the guidance from an experienced teacher, or a community may leave you with questions, feeling uninspired and a dwindling commitment to practice. There will be obstacles along the way. The only way to learn and stay committed is through continual access to new knowledge, feedback and interaction with others that rests on the basis of consistency. Find a suitable platform where you are able to talk about your practice, raise questions, seek support, clear doubts, share your own and read about other's experiences. You can do this via social media, online groups to explore more about the practice and gain support from other like-minded yogis. However, do exercise precaution and discretion when heeding advice and take only what's applicable and comfortable for you, if in doubt, as only you know what's best for yourself!