The first yoga sutra in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (our classical yoga text) is "Now begins the explanation of yoga". A reminder to come to the present moment. We can be so distracted by modern life, and this distraction creates stress. This simple sutra is an invitation to return from worries and ruminations to the golden, present moment of NOW. Take a breath and let it go. Be here now...

If you're having trouble getting on your mat and practicing consistently on your own, you are in good company. Would you be surprised to learn that at the last teachers' practice the topic was how to keep practicing? How to keep getting on your mat (even when life gets in the way or you don't feel like it!)? Yes, even yoga teachers need strategies and support to keep practicing! So ditch the guilt and the story about how hard it is to practice on your own, get on your mat and meet yourself where you are. I hope the following strategies provide you with some inspiration to practice yoga at home.

Strategies for an at-home practice:

• designate an area in your home for yoga- leave props where you can see them- a visual invitation and friendly reminder to practice!

• let go of what you think yoga practice "should" look like

• get on your mat every day and ask yourself what you need- then listen

• Do 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes in the morning- it will improve your whole day!

• Don't feel like practicing? Do child's pose (adhomukha virasana) then downdog (adhomukha svanasana) then standing forward bend (uttanasana) to start and see how you feel...

• after your next class:  pick one thing you loved and one thing you didn't and practice for the week

• push yourself or go into new territory only when you are feeling good

• nourish yourself

• use the home practice sequences below as a guide

No matter what is going on in our lives, the answer is always to practice. Feeling sad or low? Practice yoga to uplift your spirit. Feeling anxious or stressed? Practice yoga to calm your nerves. Feeling tired? Practice yoga to refresh yourself. Feeling hyper? Practice yoga to center and balance yourself.

Still need further motivation? Did you know that practicing yoga on own creates a different kind of resilience and power than when we follow instructions? Will power and discipline are cultivated even more when we practice on our own. Plus there is something magical about practicing savasana in the comfort of your own home and having the freedom to come out when you are ready... if you haven't had a luxurious savasana at home you really must treat yourself and stay as long as you like! Let me know how it goes.

Love,

Di

Home Practice Sequences 1-4, Level I