As students of Ashtanga yoga, one of the first things we learn and benefit from in the practice is our independence. Once we learn the sequence and breathing (ideally from a teacher) we can do our practice any time, any where, and to any capacity that fits our daily life and energies. Yes, there are guidelines, but ultimately it’s up to us. This independence in our practice leads to independence and strength in ourselves on other fronts as well. We learn to solve our own problems, to make choices for ourselves, and honor our own needs...eventually learning to trust ourselves and express ourselves more freely and intelligently.
Right now, with our current world events keeping us home and cut off from each other physically, that independence is truly key to keep us grounded and sane..if we continue to get on our mats regularly.
What a time we are living in right now! While the situation is not ideal, and not what we would have chosen, we do have some unique opportunities that we can take advantage of. Many teachers all over the world are offering online classes that you can join from the comfort of your home, and experience the teachings of people you wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to meet in person. To name a few…
David Garrigues has an absolute treasure trove of offerings - downloads, podcasts, articles, video courses, etc, for all levels of student. `
Eddie Stern is offering Chanting and Pranayama on Instagram each weekday morning, and livestream classes as well.
Taylor Hunt is offering Ashtanga Yoga Columbus mysore and led classes via livestream.
Nancy Gilgoff is offering livestream classes as well.
Jen Rene just launched her online class platform called Ashtanga Central, with tons of resources, tutorials, etc.
These are just a few of the teachers on my radar. If you have a teacher you’d like to study with, check out their website and see what they are offering right now. Geography is no longer a limiting factor!
And of course, I’m also here with daily and weekly offerings through AYS Raleigh Online to help you stay accountable and connected to your practice and your community.
In order to take advantage of these opportunities, all you need is a little space, and a little technology…
Space:
Set up a space away from the regular flow of life --
a separate room, or part of a room. Even just enough space for your yoga mat can be sufficient
Make sure your space is warm or can be warmed with a heat source.
Hard floors are nice, but carpet works just fine as well.
Maybe you just need to move a rug aside for when you practice.
If you need a wall for practice, identify that space and set up near it.
This may mean moving a picture or piece of furniture temporarily.
Props - keep them handy and ready to go: Mat, blocks, strap, blanket, etc
Get creative with props - foot stools, books, etc
Mini Altar - Light a candle, some incense, and gather some items that have meaning for you: a photo of loved ones, a flower, anything that makes you happy and calm.
Keep the space at least semi-prepared at all times. Make it as easy as possible to pop over to your practice space whenever you have some time.
Technology:
For times like this, when you will be joining classes through an online platform like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Duo, etc...
Smartphone - for classes where you are mostly just listening for cues, a smartphone will work just fine. Download the appropriate app and you’re all set
Tripod or prop for your phone - get creative here too - could be a block or two, a stack of books or a chair...look around and try a couple of different options to allow optimal viewing for you and your teacher.
Laptop - for classes where more interaction with the teacher is required, or you’ll need to see the teacher well. You’ll have a bigger screen and be able to see and hear better and stay engaged with the class and teacher.
Logging in for class - AYS Raleigh uses the Zoom platform for classes, and Tula is our registration and payment platform. Full instructions for registration, payment and logging in are HERE
For other studio’s classes, be sure to check their website, and contact them for help if you are unsure how to proceed
Register for classes well ahead of time. Many studios are sending out links for their classes at least 1 hour before class starts.
Log in for class early. This allows time for any questions or troubleshooting before class starts.
Getting to your mat:
Schedule your mat time like you would if you were going to a studio to practice.
Be realistic and allow plenty of time to get to your mat, prepare, practice and close your practice with a sufficient resting period
Let your family know you will be unavailable during your practice time. If they know this is time that is necessary for you to be more available for them the rest of the day, they will understand.
Be flexible - things come up, interruptions happen. Try to just roll with it and get back to your mat when you can.
Utilize one of the many resources out there to help you stay focused while you are on your mat. (guided practice recordings, music, a recording of a mysore class, online courses, etc)
Remember - any amount of practice, any time, any where, in any capacity COUNTS.
TAKE YOUR PRACTICE OUTSIDE -- When the weather is nice, let nature be your sacred space. Let trees and flowers be your altar. Enjoy the sunshine, soak it in, and be refreshed :-)
BE A PROBLEM SOLVER. Keep your home practice space and time simple, and expand as you like, and as you are ready. Many obstacles to a home practice can be overcome with a little bit of planning and creativity. There is no need to give up your yoga practice just because you can’t get to a studio. And especially during this time, community connection is important. Online connections count as human connections - our brains don’t know the difference :-)
Most of all, be patient, kind and forgiving of yourself. Allow time to let the lessons of practice sink in and take hold...Abhyasa (Practice), Vairagya (Non-attachment), over a long period of time, with enthusiasm and skill. Yoga practice is not a race. It's a lifelong pursuit. Its lessons teach us so much along the way.
I do miss seeing you all and look forward to being together again in person soon, but for the time being, lets keep in touch virtually!
Namaste
Stacy
Stacy