Have you ever thought about creating a special place in your home for yoga or meditation? A space where you can tune out the world and tune into yourself? If so, I've got you covered! This article will guide you on how to create your own home yoga sanctuary – your ultimate zen space.
The beauty of yoga is its flexibility (pun intended). It can be practiced anywhere with minimal equipment. However, having a dedicated space at home where you can practice yoga undisturbed can truly enhance your experience. This space can become a sanctuary, a place where you connect with your body, mind, and soul.
Choosing the Space
The first step in creating your home yoga sanctuary is selecting the right space. It doesn't have to be a large area; it just needs to be a place where you feel calm and comfortable.
Size - For a corner in an existing room (or in the yard), try and carve out a minimum of 4'x6'. If you are creating a dedicated yoga room 10'x10' is the smallest I'd recommend.
Location - Somewhere with a window close for natural light is optimal. However, if that's not possible you can make ambient light work too.
Other Considerations - Consider how much noise will be in this space. Try to find something that has little traffic from other members of the home.
Essential Yoga Equipment
Next, gather your yoga essentials. Here are some recommended items along with alternatives you may have at home.
Yoga Mat - If you intend to practice regularly, a quality yoga mat is a worthwhile investment (I really like the Manduka mats). It will keep your hands and feet in place throughout the practice and help you visualize your alignment. Alternative: a blanket or towel to help visualize your space.
Yoga Blocks - You can use yoga blocks to help modify your poses to make them easier or more challenging. They are another must-have for the regular practitioner in our humble opinion. Alternative: Thick, hardcover books or leftover boxes from those Amazon packages :)
Yoga Strap - Yoga straps are a lesser-used yoga prop, but they are a wonderful addition to any yoga studio to make certain poses more accessible. This is especially helpful if you are working towards more advanced poses and need something to help you maintain proper form as you bridge the gap. Alternative: A necktie, scarf, or soft belt.
Bolsters - Bolsters are essential for restorative practices to offer the body support as you relax into your pose. Alternative: Pillows!
Blanket - There's nothing quite like a savasana with a bolster under the knees and a blanket over the body. It can also be helpful as a prop for restorative yoga. Alternative: None needed! Any throw blanket will do.
If you feel like the space is distracting or cluttered with all of these items, see what can be relocated to a different room and pulled out only when you need it.
Personalize Your Sanctuary
Now comes the fun part – personalizing your sanctuary! Add elements that speak to your senses and make you feel peaceful. This might include candles or essential oils for scent, a small bluetooth speaker for playing calming music or guided meditations, or a soft rug for added comfort. Some common items that are popular in at-home studios:
Essential oil diffuser
Candles
Lamps for ambient light
Artwork that inspires you
Bluetooth speaker
Living plants
Plush rug
Chimes or singing bowls
Crystals or mala beads
Textured drapes
A shelf "alter" with items that are meaningful to you
Really, anything goes! Maybe you want all of these, maybe you want none of them. Anything that feels like it belongs is the right thing to have in your yoga space. Don't feel like you have to get it just right before you can practice either. The more you practice in your space, the more you will understand what is missing or needs to be changed.
Dedicate the Space
Once your home yoga sanctuary is set up and ready, it's a beautiful idea to 'dedicate' the space. This can be a simple ritual or ceremony that signifies this space is special, reserved for your yoga and mindfulness practices.
This doesn't have to be complicated. It could be as simple as:
Lighting a candle or incense
Saying a few words or an affirmation that resonates with you, such as "This is my space for peace and self-discovery"
Playing a particular piece of calming music or sound each time you enter the space to signify its purpose
Write a small note or intention, fold it, and leave it in a special spot in the room
All of these act as a representation of your commitment to your yoga and mindfulness practice. Remember, the goal is to mark this space as different from the other areas in your house, a place dedicated to quiet, peace, and self-care. Over time, just entering this space will trigger a sense of calm and readiness for your practice.
Creating a special space in your life for your yoga practice is such a beautiful gift to yourself. It’s another small step in your wellness journey, reminding you every time you enter it that this is a special moment just for you.