Om Sweet Om: Create a Sacred Space to Expand Your Yoga Practice

 

 

 

When runners want to take their training to a new level, they may purchase some new Asics or change up their running route.  But how do yogis deepen their practice, chataranga after chataranga?  Perhaps a new mat, a new instructor, or a new studio. 

Instead, try creating a sacred space for doing yoga in your home – a sanctuary that you love to be in.  In doing so, you will not only maintain enthusiasm for your yoga practice, but you will expand it to a new level. 

By designating a space for a particular function, it is much easier to transition into that activity.  So, with a designated yoga space you will be able to turn inward much easier each time you enter your sacred space.  It’s similar to the automatic response your body gets when it hears the word ‘savasana’ in yoga. 

On an energetic level, that space will carry the same energy which builds and builds over time allowing you to go deeper each time.  It is no wonder that it is much easier to meditate in an ashram… the energy of meditators over years has built up to the point you can step in and immediately feel at peace.

Your sacred space can be any size — from the size of your yoga mat to an entire room.  Choose this space carefully.  Go around your home and find a space that feels good.  Or find a section or a whole room that is not living up to its potential.  I once had a guest bedroom that just collected clutter.  Finally, one day I decided to reclaim this room.  I turned lemons into lemonade. 

With a new coat of paint, a serious detox of clutter, an altar, and a few personal items, this became not only my favourite room in the house, but a yoga and meditation sanctuary.  Soon thereafter, my yoga practice went to a new level followed by teacher training.  Within six months, I was teaching my first yoga class.

Although this article is about creating space in your home, it’s also about creating space in your yoga practice.  It therefore can’t go without mentioning the benefits of having a home practice.  This is where you begin to truly tune into what you want and need your yoga practice to be.  You become your own inner guru, or upaguru in Sanskrit. 

A home practice allows you to listen to what your body wants to do next.  Maybe you are feeling energized and do an extensive series of warrior poses and arm balances.  Or perhaps you are feeling tired and need to do slow and deep hip openers on the mat.  A home practice also allows time for a longer meditation.   

Most importantly, by integrating a home practice with attending classes, yoga will go from being an activity to a way of life. 

Here are you few tips to create your sacred space:

1. Location
Again, size doesn’t matter.  However, privacy does.  Choose a place in your home where you will not be disturbed by people or pets.  If it is a shared space with another person or activity, then using a partition or screen is recommended.   

2. Clean and De-clutter
Once you have chosen your location, clear everything out of it and clean the area of any dust, dirt, or residue.  Also clear it energetically with sage, or any other herbal cleanser of your choice, such as cedar or sweetgrass.  A clear space is a clear mind.

3. Energize
Next determine what you want in your space; for example, a yoga mat, meditation cushion or chair, blankets, and/or props.  If there is enough room, you may want some type of storage to keep the space clutter-free.    Also, if space allows, an altar table, whether it is a cardboard box or an heirloom piece from India, is recommended.  In other words, you want to have a centering piece.  Make it an altar where only inspiring and precious objects are placed.  If space doesn’t permit, then hang an inspiring picture instead.

4. Personalize
From here, add any items that reflect you and appeal to the five senses…
candles, incense, bells, gemstones, crystals, images, essential oils, affirmation cards, books, music.

5. Keep it Fresh

Once you have your sacred space, you want to keep it free of dust and clutter.  Keep the energy clear and fresh.  If you feel like your practice is in a rut, then change things around in your sacred space.  Add a picture, change a picture, or add a new candle or gemstone.  Avoid stagnation on any level.   

Now it’s time to hit the mat… Namaste!

photo by Nessa Land.