Deep Freeze Yoga

As winter sinks its long fingers in for a few weeks of -30C (and colder), yogis may find it less than desirable to head out to make it to their scheduled yoga class.  Does the deep freeze weather push pause on our practice then?

The cold weather may be a good excuse to stay home, but not to stop practicing.  This may be an opportune time to try out a home yoga practice.

Here are a few tips for setting up your own practice:

* Find a room, or corner of your house where you can be undisturbed for at least 20 solid minutes.

* Claim this space as your routine yoga space; roll out your mat and put what ever props you need neatly nearby (leave your mat rolled out, this way it is easier to get on it next time).

* Go the distance to set up a yoga ritual/opening routine.  This will help you to establish a neurophysiological pathway to get you into the yoga zone more effectively each time you practice.  Light a candle and start with the same three postures each time you practice [I suggest: eyes closed focusing on your breathing in sukhasana (content pose), forward bending virasana (hero pose), and adho mukha svanasana (downward dog pose)].

* In large print, on a A4-sized piece of paper, write down a yoga sequence you want to follow (these can be found online or generally in any good yoga book).  Sticky tack this paper on the wall where it'll be visible while you are moving from pose to pose.

* Let go of perfection and allow yourself to enjoy what ever yoga you are capable of practicing, even if you think you may not be doing it "right".  Doing your yoga is doing yoga, and it is good enough.

* Practice for as long as you feel you want to (respect yourself when you feel like it's enough, or when you feel like you want to push harder).  Five minutes can be enough, and ninety minutes can also be enough.  Listen to your body and honor your energy levels and other time commitments.

* If all you do is lay back and watch your breathing for 5 mins, then you have done yoga.  Be gentle and persistent.  Instead of feeling like a failure if you miss a day or two, or only practice for a short time, be happy with what you did today and build from one success to another.

* Aim to always leave time for a few minutes of savasana (relaxation pose) at the end of your practice (5-15mins would be awesome).  This will help your mind and body to assimilate what ever you've practiced, and to give time for quiet and stillness.

*And finally, yoga can be practiced from thought to thought, not just on the mat.  Through out the day, be mindful of your breathing, pay attention to your body, energy levels and muscle tension, and be kind in thought and action to both yourself and to others.  It is all yoga.

Here's to the opportunities the cold provides, and namaste to you,

Yoga In The House