Setting up a home practice
Sara Cecilia sitting with the vibrations after striking a singing bowl.
Recently, a student and friend reached out to me for advice as she embarks on a teacher training this fall. I wanted to share a part of our conversation because it touches on an important aspect of maintaining a yoga practice: cultivating a home practice.
If you’re looking to start or deepen your regular yoga practice, creating a dedicated home space can be incredibly helpful. Finding the motivation and discipline to maintain a home practice can be challenging, especially when the supportive community of a studio isn’t present.
One of the things that kept me committed to my yoga practice, both as a student and teacher, was the sense of community. I understand how losing that connection can make motivation harder to sustain.
I’m passionate about setting intentions, creating rituals, and connecting with spaces that ground and inspire me. I love passing this sensibility along in my classes. Even if you’re not enrolling in a teacher training soon, you can enhance your personal practice by setting up a dedicated space or altar at home. An altar is a symbolic center of ritual and devotion, making your practice more tangible and accessible.
My first assignment in teacher training seven years ago was to create an altar space. This practice isn’t tied to any particular religion but serves as a visible reminder of the space you’ve dedicated to your practice. It’s much harder to overlook a dedicated space when you see it regularly. An altar can help you connect with yourself and practice self-care, and soon, it will inspire positive feelings and a habitual practice.
Whenever I move to a new place, setting up my altar or home practice space is always my first step. It’s a simple act that makes me feel at home. Here are some tips for creating your own sacred space:
Choose an inspiring spot.
Add offerings like fresh flowers or fruit.
Decorate with items that inspire you, such as stones, crystals, and plants.
Light a candle to begin or end your practice.
Incorporate incense, sage, palo santo, or essential oils to enhance your mindfulness session.
Consider using a singing bowl to uplift the energy and atmosphere.
You might also create a theme for your altar, focusing on a color or element that resonates with you.
I hope you enjoy setting up your altar and find it as enriching as I do. I’ll be sharing more ideas on how to use this space effectively, including setting intentions and personalizing your practices.
Enjoy the process!