Home Practice

Before I took my yoga teacher training I attended daily hot yoga classes. When we were told at our training, on our first weekend, that we were expected to practice yoga daily on our own, outside of any class, I just couldn't imagine. I couldn't imagine having the time. I couldn't imagine why I should practice more when I already attended yoga classes every day.

These thoughts quickly changed for me as I brought myself to my mat every day (or as often as possible). I learned so much about myself during this personal practice. I discovered my edge. I discovered where I was stuck. I learned how to be present and how to listen to my body.
There have been many times where I have "fallen out of daily practice". Our lives get busy. Sometimes it just seems like it isn't possible to practice. There just isn't enough time. Time.....time for what? I started to really look at how I spent my time. Where could iI shave off 10-20  minutes? Believe it or not, no matter how busy you are, you can find the time. Once you dedicate the time, it will become one of the most enjoyable and sacred times in your day. Daily practice offers us so much more than you would ever imagine until you do it.
Practicing in the early morning is by far the best. Adding a short session of yoga asana (postures) and perhaps a short relaxation~meditation with a chant will balance the 3rd, 4th & 5th chakras. Why is this so important? Well, by bringing these chakras into a balanced state we find the courage to stand up for our truth, stick up for ourselves and our beliefs, and also to protect others. We learn to let go of the need for approval from others, we experience kindness, compassion and forgiveness, and we find the capacity to communicate our truth, to ourselves and to the world. (from Snatam Kaur's book Original Light)
Typically people find their way to yoga to 'get fixed', in some way they are looking for answers, change.....this is a personal experience. While classes and a group connection in yoga is so important, expanding on that community practice with our own individual practice is life-changing, it is where we take what we learn in class and apply it to our own lives and our own experiences, making the experience and journey through yoga our own.
When I read the book "Misadventures of a garden state yogi" a private practice he wrote about really spoke to me. I started a practice with a short centring, 4 sun salutations and 10 minutes relaxation or meditation. I practiced this short sequence as often as I could find 20 minutes through my day. I fell in love with stepping onto my mat as often as possible.
So are you ready to say YES to making changes in your life? Are you ready to have a deeper experience in yoga both on and off your mat? I challenge you to give it a try. You will be so happy that you did!
In truth and love,
Namatse