Isn't going to yoga class great?
Having a space that is just for yoga, filled with people who all have similar intentions for the next 90 minutes, makes it pretty easy to come to your mat.
Studying yoga with a qualified instructor is important and attending class with your favorite teacher is a great way to learn about the mechanics of the poses and develop a deeper awareness in your practice. Plus, all of that shared energy creates an atmosphere that is meditative and it naturally fosters you own peaceful mind state.
But one of the most essential components of yoga is going inward and studying the self. And that means sometimes you need to practice on your own.........By yourself.... Probably at your home........
I know, I know, I know! I just lost a lot of you!!!
But, alas, it is the truth. You should be practicing on your own sometimes. And here are a few reasons why:
1.You need to build a trust in yourself. You need to tap into your intuition and let it guide you into and out of poses that your body and the moment choose. Your body and mind are unique. Take the foundation of information that your teacher has laid out for you and then apply and synthesize it with good old fashioned commitment. Does something not quite "click"? Do you need to zero in on a specific direction more than a general class because of the tilt of your pelvis or the instability in your shoulders? Are you biased toward strength or flexibility? You'll never know if you don't explore, research, and study yourself.
2.You need to discipline your mind to be a powerful force for good and not THE JUDGE, always criticizing. Simple truth: if you can control your mind and instead of letting it control you, your life will be transformed. If you practice at home, your mind will need to guide your practice with "self-talk". Observing your "self-talk" is educational. Do you regard yourself with esteem or do you berate yourself when things don't instantly fall into place? If your mind is giving up or criticizing, stop. Ask yourself why. Breathe. And then think a new thought, the thought that will resolve your issue. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
3. You need to be able to find the sanctuary inside of yourself and retreat to it whenever the need arises. And, lets face it, the need arises quite frequently at home, or at the office, or on the road, or in the store -- a LOT more often than it does at yoga class....so, figuring out how to overcome distraction and "get your inner peace on" is an important and useful skill.
4.It doesn't have to take long! A home practice does not have to be 90 minutes, like a class. It doesn't even need to be an hour. Anywhere from 20-45 minutes is usually enough to accomplish what I feel my body needs on a day to day basis.
And, really, if 20-45 minutes is too much, then consider doing a down dog in the morning and evening. Think about. Checking in with your body in down dog is a powerful tool for awareness. Where are you tight (shoulders, hamstrings, hips)? Is the spine cramped? Is the mind cluttered? Is the nervous system overloaded? You can figure it out all within a minute or two in downward facing dog.
And, if you can convince yourself to do one down dog, then you may even persuade yourself to go a little further when you remember how good it makes you feel....
5.You'll make real progress! Practicing 3 times a week means you will multiply your benefits. That means 3X more strength, flexibility, and balance. 3X more mindfulness! You'll go back to class and the teacher's directions will suddenly mean more. You'll be better informed about your practice. You'll be able to ask more specific questions that will elevate your personal practice.
The truth of the matter is: You are stronger and wiser than you know.
So don't shy away from a home practice.
You can do it.
I believe in you.
Namaste~
Tammie
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