Personal practice

What is a personal practice?

It is a yoga practice designed specifically to meet your physical and emotional needs that ideally, you practice daily.

Do I need a personal practice when I go to regular yoga classes?

A personal practice can take you places a community yoga class can't. Practicing a sequence very specific to your needs opens your connections to your higher self. If that sounds vague it's because it's hard to explain. When I started my personal practice it's not like all my problems disappeared but I cultivated a deeper understanding of my patterns and a deeper connection to my spirit. Both of those have made a difference in my human connections.

If I have a personal practice do I need to go to yoga classes?

I love yoga classes. I have met the nicest people at yoga classes and for that reason I will always continue to go. Yoga classes add zing to my practice. It's the place I get to try new poses, transitions and situations to steady my mind. Having a teacher offer adjustments allows me to explore a way of holding my body I hadn't thought of before.

What does a personal practice look like?

With so many things yoga there are many opinions on this. My opinion is just that, mine. I take the advice and wisdom of those who have studies more than me and I see if it fits in my wheel house. If it doesn't I discard it and keep what works.

A good stepping off point for a personal practice is to design one for yourself and do it daily, the same exact practice. This will help you see where you are mentally each time you practice. The same practice feels different from day to day and it's in that difference where you can tap into your state of mind at that moment.

How do I design my own practice?

1) start out with an intention.

- each time you get on the mat determine what you'd like to dedicate your time to

2) Sequencing basics

- pick an opening sequence that you enjoy for example: Childs pose to cat/cow

- add in a favourite pose

- follow with a more challenging pose

- ending with a bridge or twist and happy baby

3) Sit with a pranayama

- counting breaths such as: inhale for 6 counts, exhale for 6 counts

4) Finish with a chant

- there are lots of yoga chants but I can't seem to find ones in their pure form

on youtube. You can ask a teacher for a chant or end with om shanti

If this seems overwhelming send me an email if you would like to set up a private lesson to help you build your personal practice.

How long should my personal practice be?

I think it's best to start with 10 minutes (give or take). If you start out longer you are less likely to do it daily. You can always add time after your practice has been established.

Who designs a personal practice?

According to some lineages a mentor should design your practice. I agree with that so some extent. If you have a mentor that really knows you, then yes, they would be able to design a practice to meet your needs. I don't believe a person who doesn't know you well can design a practice any better than you. It can get tricky because you may know what you need but be at a loss with how to support that in a yogic way, which is where a collaboration with a mentor is beneficial. There is the chance that you may be drawn to a certain moves, mantras or pranayamas that end up supporting the very thing you need to move away from. If you always feel up in your head, incorporate poses, mudras, chants and poses that are more grounding.

What if I get bored with the same practice?

I say sequence your practice, get used to it and then listen to your intuition and follow that; add in and take away as you are guided to do. We have an intuition to use, not to override

Do I need a special space to practice?

Ideally we would all have a uniquely designed yoga room where we could close the door and zen out in our own beautiful space. The reality is I've done my personal practice in the space between my bed and the wall, in the living room and on the floor of a hotel bathroom. Practice where you have enough room to move and can be relatively uninterrupted.

What time of the day is best to practice?

Here I go again with ideally.... the same time every day is ideal but it's more about doing it. If you are good with scheduling do it the same time every day but be flexible if it doesn't work out.

What are some examples of intentions?

Intentions can be anything but here are some examples to use as a jumping off point.

- world peace

- inner peace

- love to a family member

- health

- sending healing vibes to someone you love

- sending healing vibes to someone you have trouble relating to

- contentment

- deeper connection to inner spirit

If all else fails come to your mat, set an intention, and take a few seconds to breath into your intention. Namaste to yourself and feel the power, your power; peaceful, joyful, content. Turn the corners of your mouth up and be proud of what you are cultivating.