Routine to ritual- how to create a lasting practice that helps you to shine

 

You don't need a lot to practice yoga at home. But how you approach your practice can make all the difference. Whakaritenga- ritual - can help you create a lasting, loving practice that helps you to shine again...

 

The truth is no fancy clothing or accessories are required, you can practice on your floor, a towel or a mat, with clothing, or with out !

 

It is up to you.

 

When we move from 'in studio' to at home classes there may be a few things a studio or teacher provides; a clean clear space, soft lighting or music, cushions, blankets, soothing simple surroundings and so on, that we have taken for granted.

 

But with a little thought and a bit of prep, we can move into a deeper practice than we ever thought possible at home, by turning our yoga routine into Ritual / Whakaritenga.

 

This is called your sadhana in yoga, your sadhana is your practice that has deeper meaning to you than practice. A Sadhana is a practice for spiritual or personal growth. Whatever your reasons to practice, having an intention will elevate it.

 

Rituals help to embed, give power to, or activate your practice.

 

You may find a few props helpful for your yoga journey too. And being prepared allows you to relax into your practice, and brings your focus into the moment.

 

I love that when I start to practice I slip into my inner world, and can let go of the rushing of everyday life.

 

It's helpful to have gathered everything you need into one place before hand, so you don't have to think about it when you start.

 

We all need these moments in an ever increasing tumultuous and busy world. Coming back to your self by creating a simple ritual out of your practice is a loving and caring act, that enables you to return to everyday life ready and willing to give to others when we need to.

 

Here's some ideas on how to elevate your routine practice to a loving ritual:

 

☺️Props -

       - enable you to feel supported,  to focus on letting go.

Props can be cushions, bolsters, blocks, small tables or stools, beds, walls, blankets etc.

You don't need to buy anything expensive, you may have everything you need at home already, look around and find items you could use or re-purpose.

 

There are times when my yoga mat is a towel on the floor, but a few years ago I invested in a cork mat which feels cool and soft and is easy to clean as well as being eco- friendly. I also have a woven mat from a women's collective in Fiji - it feels natural and lovely to practice with. Mats have the advantage of being non slip too.

 

I have a yoga block, cushions and pillows handy, and a dressing gown cord can make an excellent yoga strap for forward bends.I don't always need all of these things, but to have them at hand is a good idea.

 

The beauty of yoga is that it can be done with absolutely nothing but your body. However, sometimes props in certain poses enable our bodies to let go and relax.

 

Having something under the body that it touches allows that part to relax, and stretch more safely and effectively, as well as mentally and physically release any sense of 'holding'.

 

🏡 Your space -

When you practice regularly in the same place this can create a calming energy that you  feel each time you return to the space. But if you don't have room in your home for a dedicated yoga space, that's all good, the energy of your practice changes the space, wherever you choose to take it.

 

If you like to move around the house for practice having a basket or box for your yoga needs, to keep your mat, maybe a journal and pen, incense or oils if you use them, your favourite cushion, and a blanket or shawl, a spare pair of socks can be useful too! 

 

If you have space, a simple altar; a photo of someone or something you dedicate your practice to, or a few flowers to bring positive, creative energy into the space, provides the feeling of ritual. Below are some more ideas-

 

👑 Create the atmosphere that you would like for your sessions

- Practicing at the same time and place helps to embed your practice so that it becomes a regular ritual for you. Is after your shower the prefect time? Or perhaps you have an energy dip in the afternoon and could use this time to rest, restore and renew?

 

Find the time and place that is right for you. A time and place where you can let go and turn inward. This is your time for you.

 

Sometimes I do my asana practice in the morning, and finish with breathing and shavasana, and then do guided relaxation in the afternoon or evening.

Or asana and meditation morning, relaxation afternoon, when energy has a natural dip. It is really up to you and worth experimenting with. In early morning you have less thoughts in your mind than later in the day.

 

Be aware that meditation is a 'focus' practice, while guided relaxation is a 'de-focus' practice. That is one reason why meditation is often practiced in the mornings and not usually right before bed.

 

The 'de-focussing' aspect of yoga nidra/ guided relaxation can be done in the late afternoon to clear stress, or in the evening to help you wind down before bed. 

De- focussing' is now being recognised by science - it is beneficial for brain health and mental wellbeing, just as sleep is.

 

 

🧚🏽‍♀️Dim your lights, or light a candle

 - Crystals, plants, incense etc, can form part of an altar, add a picture of someone that inspires you, or add something you found in nature, plants, flowers, rocks can represent the earth element. the feminine creative force. A special picture that has meaning for you. A candle flame can represent the inner light, your life force or divinity, or the fire element. It can be kept as simple or as elaborate as you care to make it.

 

Lighting incense clears the energy and the simple act of lighting a candle lets your body and nervous system know that it's time to relax.

 

Remember these are just ideas - create your own ritual, and leave out things that aren't right for you.

 

🪑Make sure that the space you choose is safe

    - a chair or wall can be used for support in balance poses, and be aware of anything that could pose a risk if you fall!

-Place any candles on plates and remember to snub them out when finished. A candle flame can represent the inner light, your life force or divinity, or the fire element. 

 

🌤️ Is your space warm or cool enough for the season? So that you don't get overheated or cold, prepare with blankets, shawls, layers, and/ or socks at the ready for relaxation. A few moments of prep can be so good when you're practicing, so that your energy can stay centred. 

  

🎬 Before you begin -

 

Intention- create an intention for your practice, you may like to dedicate your practice to someone or something, or make it an offering.

Or choose a word or theme for your practice - some examples are - 

• Peace
• Joy
• Aroha/ Love
• I am strong

....etc, there are no limits!

 

 

📱 Surender your phone to another room. Or put it on silent. This is your time for YOU, and distractions are best kept to an absolute minimum. You are important, you are worthy of your time and energy.

 

🎯Be sure that you have everything before you begin  - cushions, blankets, bolsters, blocks, chairs or stools, shawl, etc. I have a basket which I keep my mat, blocks etc in for when I want to practice. This can be handy if I move to another room.

 

A little prep can enhance your experience and allow you to focus.

  

 💻 If you are doing classes with a teacher online -you will need a device to take online classes and wifi. Do test everything before you start and remember tech doesn't always comply!

 

👂If you don't need the visual instructions, make sure you can hear well enough. ( I do my best to offer a good quality video and audio for classes with me )

 

(I have trained in a lineage of teachers that never demonstrated! I believe this is a pretty awesome skill, but appreciate that for those new to the classes the visual demos are very useful.)

 

However - please DO let your teacher know if you can't see or hear properly🙏🏽 ( and let us know if you have an injury or are healing etc, we maybe able to modify some of the class for you, or suggest a different course that might be more helpful for you )

 

🏛️Rome wasn't built in a day, often people come to one class and decide it's not right for them, without realising that it can be like anything else- it takes time!

 

🕰️ Time and repetition, is needed to grasp many of the broad range of practices of yoga.

 

Do try and stay with a practice for more than a few classes, especially if you initially were drawn to the teacher or their style. But not if you felt very uncomfortable in the sessions. Give yourself grace if you felt you didn't belong, or even discuss this with the teacher. They may have suggestions to help you.

 

🔥The same applies to your own home ritual - changes don't happen overnight. But over time you may notice you can shift your nervous system with your breathing...you can release stress with movement  or stillness, or perhaps you feel so much more whole, happy and healed. 

 

When practiced with intention and awareness, yoga can give ua tools to help ride the waves, the ups and downs of life, and love yourself through them all too.

 

☕️After a practice - yoga is more than the poses

Yoga asana is one part of practice. Try incorporating meditation, breathing, or guided deep relaxation. If you are short on time incorporate shavasana and lie down for a few minutes after postures.

 

Yes you can keep it simple with just a few poses, breathing and shavasana/ meditation or relaxation. You may like to finish with three aums, chanting or a karakia, incantation, or your sankalpa or an affirmation.

 

I offer an audio guided deep relaxation that you can do at the end of your practice - or as a practice on its own. See below for the link if you would like to add this to your rituals.

 

After this you may like to reflect, journal, and/or have a cup of tea or water, before you go about your day or evening.

 

 

🪷 You can elevate your routine to be one of RITUAL. I hope that some of these tips may be useful. 

 

 

              

 

Remember -

• Creating a ritual for your practice can bring in more joy and beauty associated with it.
• Reviewing your ritual or routine can bring back the shine if it has gone dry.
• Ritual brings more AROHA into your practice and reminds us to be intentional in your self-care, and that YOU matter.
• Rituals elevate every day routines giving them more meaning and purpose in your life.

 

 

Happy Practicing!

 

🧡 Aroha nui,

Na Linsey 

 

P.S if you are simply struggling to do any yoga at all due to family, work or other life responsibilities - don't worry - maybe just incorporating one thing from these suggestions will make all the difference! Take what you need from these suggestions.

 

 

To practice at home with me you can enjoy Yoga for Calm, please join here 

 

Try a short practice for free - join here

 

For an audio guided deep relaxation journey - Rongoā moemoeā, please join here

 

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