Exploring Yoga at-home Part 1.
What will be forever referred to personally as the ‘monk room’ - a simple, soulful space to rest and reset after experiencing the sacred chaos witnessed on the ghats of Varanasi, 2023.
YS 1.12 Abhyāsa vairāgyābhyām tannirodhaḥ.
Abyāsa = practice; vairāgya = non-attachment; (abhyām = by both); tad (tan) = they; nirodhaḥ = restrained.
‘These mental modifications are restrained by practice and non-attachment.’
| Yoga Sutras of Patanjali [commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda]
There can be something mystical yet deeply viscerally stimulating when practicing among other students attending a guided class. Additionally even more inspiring when facilitated by a teacher who you resonate with within a studio environment that is soul soothing, energetically uplifting and aesthetically pleasing. Whether it be the standard of facilities or the atmosphere created by all attending the space, the immeasurable value and benefits of practicing with a trained teacher in a supportive and uplifting environment is a sacred element on the journey of yoga. This article wishes to encourage fellow students of yoga not to replace or avoid an in-person practice, but to continue pursuing the practice in ones’ own private space - cultivating an inviting sanctuary for self-care that is available at all times.
To establish an inviting environment for what you would usually relate with an externally sourced activity to an intimate personal home-based endeavour is a beautiful intention ! It is a way to bridge the sense of separation we may have towards yoga when seeing it as yet another thing to add to our to-do list. Just like practicing in a novelty group setting can stir inspiration and action, so too can the immediate and more accessible environment of our homes bring inspiration and clarity of intention within ourselves.
The excerpt from a commentary on the Yoga Sutra aphorism above^ by Sri Swami Satchidananda can serve as a loving reminder to stay consistent on the path of yoga. Consistency not as a means to reach an end result, but consistency for the sake of cultivating contentment at present for the process of learning, experiencing and evolving in itself.
How does this contribute towards the yoga practitioners journey of remembering their true nature of peace and absorption within each present moment? That by working to overcoming the mental fluctuations stemming from the attachment to an expectation of a result, the practitioner can rest in the reality of the present moment, knowing that through consistency and sincerity towards practice, they can be readily available to be absorbed in the process in itself.
This thread of layered instruction shared in the systematized manual that is Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras gently encourages that with persistance of practice over a long period of time, sincere effort embodied during practice, and devotion to the path of learning - that the invitation for the practitioner to touch the essence of what the ‘goal’ of yoga could possibly be is readily available.
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Firstly, If you have already had the opportunity to participate in a guided in-person class and have found it to be supportive in any way - then hooray for you ! On a personal note, I believe that to have established a connection with a safe and supportive practice space to learn the teachings of yoga is a privilege. To be able to immerse in a surrounds with an in-person ‘ satsang ’ can serve to help stay focused and strengthen development in the practice. * The Sanskrit term ‘Satsang’ encompasses the notion that by gathering within a spiritually conscious collective who have a similar intention or goal of practice whilst in connection through a teaching or teacher can serves as a metaphorical and physically safe and stimulating container to explore inward.
I have come across many people who have wished to yet have not had the access or resources to attend a class. For some it would mean having opportunity to speak directly with a teacher about specific challenges or supportive insights, to be surrounded by others who yearn to be in contact or share space in an uplifted common ground with potentially like-minded people, and then there is the opportunity for consensual hands-on assisting to help clarify and instil a sense of connection to a posture. Aware of the diversity of meaning of the word privilege, I like to remind myself that having gratitude for opportunities and available resources is a timeless practice especially with regards to the infinitely layered wisdom tradition that the science of yoga encompasses.
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If you are looking to deepen your practice, or maybe looking to follow your curiosities and creativity beyond the walls of the studio/hall space - I’d love to invite the below self-inquiry prompts to help yourself identify what elements of an in-person class practice enriches your experience, and what elements you value that continue to resonate for you to return. I have found this to be a helpful base-line when beginning to understand the intention towards any new endeavour ready to be explored ! The below questions are a way to connect with what these valuable elements are to you so that you can see how you can expand the space in your mind, body and soul when extending your practice time to your personal class at-home.
What is it about attending an in-person group yoga do I enjoy…?
Is it the community building initiatives in which the yoga space encourages?
Is it the convenience of time and location that supports my ideal practice window?
Is it the soothing, inspiring or soulful atmosphere created by the aesthetic details and overall environment?
Is it the unfamiliar yoga method style and accompanying yoga props?
Is it the hands-on assists and sensory stimuli of scent and sounds the class provides?
Is it the teacher, teaching style and their way of communicating the teachings?
Is it the reminder that I am not alone in my efforts of practice when moving and breathing alongside fellow yogis?
Please continue to Part two for practical insights & tips for your at-home practice :)
