4 Ways to Practice Yoga At Home

Simple ways to practice Yoga without the guidance of a teacher.

1. Establish Consistency

When we don’t have the call of the alarm to wake us, or our schedule shifts unexpectedly, it can become difficult to retain a consistent schedule.  Many of us take advantage of the lack of responsibility we have on the weekends or during vacation to sleep in, float through the day, and generally feel the freedom to avoid tasks.  

Yoga teaches two practices; do not get lost in habit (karma), and remain consistent in your practices (tapas).  

When we begin doing something without awareness it has become habit.  Do you think about which hand you use to hold your toothbrush? When was the last time you had to think before picking up a pencil to write?  When you get in the car do you think about where the key goes? I’m sure you can think of many other habits that you have developed over time.  
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Consistency requires consideration, awareness and intention.  It is the constant practice of thinking about what you are doing and choosing to do that which serves yourself and others.  Sometimes it is as simple as choosing to bag your own groceries. It can be the establishment of a time to go outside each day no matter where you are or what you are doing.  The practice of consistency requires that you consciously choose to act rather than relying upon that which comes easily.

2. Breathe First

A long, deep inhale and exhale can be the difference between throwing something across the room and walking quietly out the door.  Begin a practice of drawing in and releasing one or more deep breaths before entering a room, a conversation, or engaging in a new activity.  Not only does a deep breath help to calm your mind and body, it also creates a shift in focus.  It can give you to pause and a moment to consider and reflect upon what is happening so that you can address what’s to come next with a more calm and intentional approach.

Get S$!t Done

Creating a list of tasks to complete and checking off, disposing of, deleting, etc. that list as each is completed can be incredibly satisfying.  Sometimes, when we feel like we have all the time in the world, we will fill in that time with busy-work or distractions. When a “to-do” list is available, it can help you to focus and address that which needs to get done.  Rather than spend a half hour checking out your social feeds, you could be scheduling a dozen posts.  Instead of watching videos on Youtube, you could be repairing that hole in your pants.

Enjoy The Little Things

I love that this is one of the Zomblieland rules.  From the comfort of your sofa there are countless little things to value.  First and foremost is the fact that you have a couch to sit on. I can remember when I moved into my first apartment and we had no couch.  I can also recall when we moved into our house and we had no furniture at all. A couch is a wonderful thing!  

For those of us who reside in Tahoe South we get to enjoy the magic of living in a forest.  City dwellers get to enjoy the majesty of architecture.  Whether you enjoy peace and quiet or hustle and bustle, the sounds of silence or the laughter of children, take a moment to enjoy that which you have chosen to have surrounding you.    

The time you take to enjoy the things that bring you joy and peace pays off later.  When you are in a stressful situation, dealing with negative energy, trying to problem solve, or being a friend when someone is in need you can reflect back upon these things.  Recalling them can help you remain more calm and collected by providing your mind with a shift in perspective.

If you are interested in learning more about the philosophies and practices of Yoga as well as how to transition into a Yogic Lifestyle contact us at [email protected] or call the studio at (775)580-7224.