I’ve been practising yoga and working out at home for years now, so when Helena and I began creating the virtual yoga studio with the help of Zoom & Mindbody I was already quite comfortable with the process. I also know that many of our students landed in what felt like unknown territory. With their best step forward we have all started to figure out how to practise yoga at home. We needed yoga so we navigated it together. Now that we know that an at home practice is the safest form of movement and connection, I’m here to make it the most enjoyable and supported experience it can be until we can gather again.
Think about the elements of the yoga studio that you love and miss the most. What do you do when you need a little self care? You are in a unique position to set a space that is perfectly designed for you. When you land on your mat I want you to feel like you are coming home to yourself. A place where the rest of the world gets quiet and your inner voice is loud and clear. Let’s do this together. I’m going to guide you through my favourite elements.
Give yourself extra time before class starts. Collect the items you may need so they are within an arm’s reach. Bolsters, blocks, pillow, blankets, etc. Light candles or diffuse your favourite oil. Incense and sage are also lovely options. I highly suggest doing research on the history behind incense and sage if you choose to use it. It’ll feel extra special honouring the history behind that practice. Tidy the space around your mat and even sweep! Declutter as best you can so your physical space feels ready.
Playing music is a non-negotiable for me! It sets the tone for my practice. We often include our Spotify playlists in either the Zoom chat or email prior to class. I love new music and have collected my own favourite songs that I enjoy flowing on my mat with. Start building your own yoga playlist or feel free to save our teachers’ playlists when they share them!
Once your music is on place your phone out of arm’s reach! Silence notifications if you can. If necessary communicate with family members letting them know that you won’t be available. This really allows you to relax fully and get back to showing up fully for others after taking care of yourself.
Once you’re plugged into the zoom class, give yourself permission to relax and be still. Maybe read, journal or meditate. You don’t need to fill every moment with productivity. Land in your space and enjoy it.
If you practised at IFF in studio in the past you’ll remember we had community mat spray bottles that we’d pass around to sanitize our mats and props. It was a ritual practice that concluded the practice and usually began conversations with other students and the teacher. I invite you to do the same at home. Love My Mat has a mat spray we all love and is the same solution we used in studio. You can purchase it here.
Bonus Tip!
I love affirmations and use them daily! Affirmations are simply positive statements you say/read/write in the present tense to evoke a sensation. I love using card decks to guide me towards a daily affirmation. I’ve landed on a few favourites that help me on and off the mat.
Allow yourself to get creative and cultivate a home practice ritual. Look forward to this time when you not only get to move your body, but you also experience deep care and nourishment for your overall wellness.
You can watch my short IGTV with a little more insight here.
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