Setting up a dedicated yoga and meditation space is essential in maintaining your commitment to an at home practice. Here are some tips to creating the right space for you.
1. Start with where you want your space. A dedicated room that you can set up and leave in place is ideal, however, most of us don’t have that kind of real estate, so we will focus on creating space with what we have. Choose a space that affords you some quiet away from family members, including pets. Maybe off to side in your bedroom, or spare room. If all you have is the middle of your living room, that’s ok too. Just let others
in your household know when you need this space to yourself. Leave this space uncluttered for easy set up and take down. The easier you make it, the more likely you will be to practice.
2. Set the mood of your space. Choose lighting that is comfortable and warm, such as a salt lamp or candles. Plants are a wonderful addition to any space. Play some music that’s relaxing and soothing. If you enjoy fragrance, use scented candles, incense, or an essential oil diffuser.
3. Supplies: Gather your supplies and store them on a cupboard shelf, or in a wooden crate, or storage box to your liking. Paint or decorate your storage box if you wish. Items to keep on hand include: a yoga mat, blocks, strap, blanket, bolster, meditation cushion, and eye pillow. If you don’t want to invest in purchasing all of these items, you could use folded up towels and firm cushions in the place of yoga blankets, bolsters and meditation cushions. Sometimes stacked books may work for blocks. A robe tie, scarf, or belt works great for a yoga strap.
4. The Asana practice: You don’t have to invest in expensive yoga clothes, just wear whatever is comfortable and allows you to move and breathe freely. Have your practice guides on hand – store your books with your other supplies. Use your phone, tablet or laptop for streaming or participating in live online classes.
5. The meditation practice:
a) Seated meditation: Sit up on a cushion and put something under each knee for support. Alternatively, you could sit up tall in a chair. Rest your hands comfortably on your thighs or knees. You could take a mudra (hand gesture) by connecting your thumb and index finger
and turning the palms up to receive knowledge, or down to engage in self inquiry.
b) Laying down meditation: This is ideal for a Yoga Nidra guided meditation. Lay out your yoga mat and place a blanket or two lengthwise along the mat. Use a bolster, cushion or rolled up blanket under the knees, an eye pillow over the eyes, and something under the head.
Cover up with an additional blanket to keep warm.