Create a healing home
Many of us have had to adapt to finding a yoga or meditation practice online rather than in a calming, zen-inducing studio space thanks to the global pandemic. I don’t know about you guys but the novelty of practicing yoga over Zoom whilst I stare at my slightly dusty floor and the same four walls I see day in and day out is definitely wearing off.
Going to a Yoga or Meditation class in a studio is a healing ritual in itself. The act of stepping outside to make your way to class, rolling out your mat in your favourite spot in the studio and flowing together as a collective is soothing and energising.
Yes, there are some studios who have opened their doors - but you might be struggling to book a spot due to limitations on numbers or you might not feel safe stepping into that space just yet.
So here are a few handy tips that might help you transform a corner of your home into a sanctuary of your own, a place where you can make the switch from ‘I’m STILL in my living room’ to ‘Ahhh I’m here and I’m ready to let go and practice’:
Create a restful nest: find a corner of your home that you know you can practice in whenever you want to attend a class or roll out your mat. Make this your space. Decorate it with crystals, candles, incense, plants - whatever helps you feel at ease. Consider trying to find the same scented candle or incense that your studio uses so that you feel like you’re there in person. And, always try to use the same scent - this will become like an anchor and trigger a sense of calm and relaxation in your mind every time that you smell it telling you ‘it’s time for Yoga now’.
Press play on your flow: switch on a calming playlist to accompany your practice. There are so many meditation and Yoga playlists on Spotify but why not email the teacher who’s due to run the class and ask them to send you their recommended playlist for the flow that they have planned. I guarantee the teacher will LOVE that and it will help you feel more connected to him or her.
Routine is the essence: why not go for a short walk before and after your practice? This could replace your old walk to the studio in doing this you signify that it’s time for yoga, blow away any cobwebs and also just step away from your home for a couple of minutes. It doesn’t have to be long - could just be down the road and back.
Be tidy: it’s always tempting to leave the dirty dishes until later or allow the dust bunnies to settle, but if this is encroaching on your yoga space it might well clutter your mind as well. Make sure your corner is clean, clutter free and smells good!
Don’t be camera shy: switch your camera on when you log in to Zoom. It really helps you to feel a connection with the teacher and the other students - and, trust me, from a teachers point of view it’s so much better. We can make sure that you’re staying safe in your practice and it gives us reassurance that you haven’t buggered off to watch Netflix and drink a glass of wine!
You do you: one of the amazing benefits of practicing at home is that you can bring whatever you like to your practice. You can wear your pyjamas, prepare a hot water bottle for shavasana, have your dog nearby, a cup of tea steaming next to you - literally, whatever you want and whatever will help you go deeper into the practice.
Give it a try and let me know what you think, I’m hoping it will make all the difference and help us to stick out some more time in this virtual world.