Enjoying the comfort and protection of practicing yoga in a studio, under the ennobled care of a master, can become a sanctuary that once discovered is hard to leave behind. Going to the yoga studio is often the equivalent of walking into a secret monastery with no hassle to access. This security gives you the freedom and tranquility to focus on your inner development, and thus explore the space within yourself, experiencing the relaxation and balance of yoga.
The biggest obstacle to practicing yoga at home is creating and designing a space that becomes a motivational center for your psychosomatic connection. Imagine the study that you have enjoyed and try to recreate it in an identical way within your home.
However, when the reality of the existing space in your home gives way to the space that you have created in your mind, it is possible that your illusions will be truncated by the inadequacy of this space, and this can reverse the many benefits that the practice of yoga at home could provide you.
Only through your concentration will you be able to overcome this destructive perception, in order to enjoy the gift for body, mind and spirit that yoga can offer you.
The connection to this personal power takes place on the mat between the surface you practice on and yourself. Only when you focus on the present and not on the process will you find the benefits of practicing in isolation from the world.
Practicing at home provides benefits that deserve reflection and action. Yoga will become a part of the day that you look forward to. The continual advancement you will experience will take you on an inner journey away from your outer responsibilities and help you disconnect and align with your inner self. Home practice requires neither transportation nor punctuality. You'll be able to adopt your own routine, hold your favorite poses a little longer, adjust the temperature to suit your body, and practice as much or as little as you like.
You will be able to practice more frequently and at the time of day that best suits your biorhythm and commitments. You can try more ambitious postures and repeat sequences that will give you a boost of energy. You can experience your own deep inner focus and expand your awareness in a more personal style, without being influenced by those around you. You will be able to react to the unchanging changes in your body, mind, and spirit as they unfold, as you are able to accept them.
Changes in the mental and spiritual sphere are an internal process that can be enhanced through the use of external aids. To get the best out of this practice there are tools that can help you stretch, flex, reach and raise the level of the practice, beyond what you could do on your own – we are talking about yoga accessories. However, what kind of equipment is used to practice yoga at home?
Yoga does not require a lot of equipment, but there are a few accessories that will help you in your practice by providing support and helping you get the poses correct. Here is a list of the elements that I use for my yoga practice at home:
• A non-slip mat or mat that will provide you with the necessary adherence so that your feet do not slip. It also produces some damping.
• Cushions like the Zafu are extremely useful in recovery positions. They can be used to support the back and open up the chest.
• Yoga blocks allow you to change into certain poses more easily by giving you a little height, and bringing you a little closer to the ground.
• Straps or belts can help you deepen the pose, and are very helpful when your hands can't reach each other or to hold your feet if you can't reach them.
• Blankets are used for sitting, to provide support and allow for some height in sitting postures. They are also ideal for keeping you warm and comfortable during relaxation.
A practice at home, with the right equipment, can bring a huge variety of benefits, however, the combination of this with a good teacher to guide you along the way is always recommended. Creating your own space will help you build a proper yoga practice for yourself and make it easier for you to meet the specific needs of your body and mind depending on how you feel that day.
Whether it's stress, early flu symptoms, muscle pain, or the need to experience the pristine pleasure of yoga, practicing at home is your personal yoga, no one else's. Find your space, embrace your spirit and enjoy the awareness of your inner self that only yoga can provide.
