Time gets away from me these days. There are not enough hours in the day for me to work, spend time with my husband and the dogs, take care of things around the house and get to the studio to take a yoga class.
I usually practice in the evenings during the week—although I generally have a better, stronger practice when I go in the mornings, but there’s that whole getting up early thing that I can’t get on board with—but by the time I get in my car after work I either don’t have the energy to go or Bill’s working late so I need to get home and let the dogs in and feed them. Sometimes I get stuck in traffic on the 405 and miss class. Sometimes I just don’t have the time to commit to a 90-minute class. And sometimes I’d just rather change into my PJs instead of yoga pants and do a round of Sun Salutations before climbing into a hot bubble bath.
My biggest challenge with a practicing at home used to be that I had no idea how to sequence a group of poses. I’d do a couple of down dogs and maybe step forward into Warrior 2 and then wonder what the hell else I should do. After teacher training I feel comfortable sequencing; now my problem is that I just don’t know how to carve out the time. Or the space.
When I do try to practice at home, I have to push aside a coffee table, scoot the dogs off my yoga mat and then somehow try to create a peaceful, quiet-ish vibe in which to practice. I like to go into the den off our family room because I can pipe in music from the other room and can close the doors to keep out distractions. Unfortunately, the doors are these big, beautiful glass French doors that the dogs sit in front of and their eyes bore holes though me the whole time. I could put them out, but dogs are spiritual creatures (although mine are pretty goofy) and I like having them nearby. They’re good about laying quietly—until I get down on the floor and then I’m fair game. They’re all over me, offering slobbery kisses and lots of snuggles. How do you turn that down?
Aside from the dogs, it’s just me and my mat and it’s hard to practice alone. I like being in a class setting and I like feeding off the vibe of the class. Usually, if I’m dragging, the instructor can inspire me to challenge myself. And there’s a lot to be said for that.
I also try to create a relaxing vibe, lowering the lights and lighting some candles, but sometimes I feel like multi-tasking and end up flowing to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Not very Zen at all when those crazy broads are screaming at each other over their Moscato.
I’ve got to get motivated and figure this out. Advice?
Too many distractions at home
I think of the dogs as our at home gurus. They teach us up and down dog, so of course they always have to come right onto the mat. I say – let them in. I figure, if I have to work on overcoming distraction, a warm loving lick on the leg is the best way. Keep at it – a home practice is the best!
Maya Harel recently posted..Patching myself up
I agree with Maya. My cats “help” me when I try to practice at home. And usually, disolving into giggles at them is the best relief.
Oh my.. I think this is my biggest challenge. I have found a way finally to do mini classes at home. Sometimes I do my home practice, other times I do Yogaglo classes on my Tv via my Roku player. That way I don’t have to look at a computer.
Yogaglo is my favorite online class site, but there are others I’d be happy to send you to if you need suggestions.
I never can make real classes because I am always teaching them and when I’m not I have my elves at home. Herein lies my perpetual problem. So glad you are aboard the writing challenge. love your site!
Flying Yogini recently posted..#findyourwings: Day 9 The Distance