The image of the Laughing Buddha is based on a wandering monk who lived centuries ago.
Have you ever thought about setting up a yoga studio from the comfort of your own home…your very own yoga house?
Maybe you are crunched for time but still want to maintain your yoga routine or you want the freedom from restrictions and want to save money, headaches, and the hassle of traffic jams. Whatever your reason, it is possible to cut out formal yoga classes and have your own at your home.
Home practice allows more concentration on the internal and meditative aspects of yoga.
If you don’t know a lot about yoga or aren’t confident about what you do know, you may want to take a beginner yoga course. This will help you learn correct body alignment and techniques. If you want to save some cash, check out instructional books or videos from your local library or on youtube. Just type in “yoga for beginners”.
To begin, you can set up your own “yoga room”. This will help you “stay the course” and not get distracted and give up. Rearrange your furniture, if you have limited space, to have your private yoga studio at home.
Keep in mind that you don’t want to clutter your yoga room with too many objects. While a few simple wall hangings may be enjoyable, adding a number of different items to your yoga room will result in distraction.
If you do decide to bring lots of knickknacks into your yoga room, make sure that they reflect nature. Wall decor with nature themes, waterfalls, natural fabrics – these things will help to keep your room tranquil. Keep windows and lighting at the correct setting. Open blinds or drapes to allow natural, soothing light in. You may want to burn some lavender essential oils for relaxation and focus. Also keep the room temperature at a semi-warm 75-85 degrees.
This figure represents the Three Jewels of Buddhism the Buddha, the Sangha and the Good Law (Dharma).
This helps heat muscles and allows you to be more flexible. In winter and fall seasons, do your routine in front of the fireplace or space heater. Hardwood or ceramic tile floors are the best types of flooring for yoga because they are stable. Try to stay away from carpet floors, which can throw you off balance. You may want to use a non-stick mat.
Turn off your phone…. this doesn’t mean putting in on buzzer mode so they you will run over every time a text comes your way… actually push the off button… if it’s important the person will leave a message….you do have voicemail on your phone don’t you?
Choose a time to begin your routine. It is advised that you wait at least 2 hours after a big meal and 1-hour after a light meal. A full stomach makes movement difficult and your body is more relaxed which may make your practice less intense. Pick yoga poses from several categories (standing, sitting, twisting, etc.…) and hold for 3-5 breaths. If the pose hurts then stop or modify, don’t push yourself into pain.
End your routine with five minutes in Savasana to quiet your mind and let the experience and benefits of yoga sink in. This is the most important part of the practices since all the work you did physically, mentally and spiritually needs to integrate and coalesce. I often recommend a pose like legs up the wall, very blissful, especially at the end of the day.
Your home yoga routine and studio do not have to be magazine-worthy. However you design your studio and conduct your routines is personal preference and all that matters. Yoga is not about keeping up with anyone else. It is about being at peace and at one with the universe.
Semi Abstract Artistic Black Ganesh Statue