Students and friends ask me about home practice a lot. Here are a few simple methods to help ease your way into a rewarding practice away from class.
1. Set low expectations -- try just practicing a few poses for 10 or 15 minutes a few times a week to begin with. Don't set yourself up for a difficult time by insisting that you must practice for an hour or more everyday. Start slowly and you'll be amazed at the results.
2. Set up your space -- find a place and keep it set up to do yoga if possible. Set up part of a guest room as your mini yoga studio. Find a basket for props, your mat and eye pillow. Set up a little table with incense or anything else conducive to your practice; maybe bring in a portable music system of some sort. All of this means that when the mood strikes -- you aren't having to hunt for your mat or strap or that yoga cd that you love to practice to.
3. Get others involved -- see if your kids or partner want to try a little yoga with you. Share a yoga book with them and work on teaching them the things you learn in class. Kids are natural yoga practitioners - super supple and the animal and nature inspired names (cobra, tree, camel, etc.) are fun for them to talk about and use as they practice.
4. Most important -- enjoy. Don't make yoga another stress, another thing you have to do. Some days a bath, a walk in the wood or cuddle time with someone you love is the best yoga there is. Find your yoga in all your daily activities and relax about your practice!
