Five Tips for Yoga and meditation at home
Would you like to go somewhere where you can find peace and beauty? A place that after you visit, leaves you feeling relaxed and less stressed.
This alluring destination is not far away. It is within us all. We just need to find out how to get there. Yoga, meditation and mindfulness are the road signs to guide us.
I worked as a solicitor for years before leaving my career to follow my passion for yoga. Which sounds like a straightforward story when put succinctly like that; but it was a struggle. Much like the circumstances we are all in now, it was full of uncertainty and fear but also a lot of possibility. My meditation and yoga practice helped me find my way.
These are my tips from the road. Things that I have learnt and that I am still learning. There is something for everyone. For those who have an hour, and those who only have five minutes each day to practice. Please do not feel you need to do everything at once. If something speaks to you, try it out. Each tip has the same end goal; to find a way into your own inner peace and calm.
Create a space in your home
Some place especially for you where you will go to practice yoga and meditation. Somewhere you can place a candle, your mat, a blanket and a cushion. You will begin to add to this space; an incense burner might find its way there and maybe an essential oil diffuser. Little trinkets will come your way. It will become a special place that you enjoy going to. A place you go to connect to your inner self. Start with a candle and watch your sacred space grow.
Set a time for your practice
First thing in the morning works best for me. I go straight to my space before breakfast and before checking my phone. I light candles and I let this be the time in my day where I sit quietly with myself. Some might prefer the evening to unwind. Pick a time that works for you and stick to it. It will become your ritual.
Join a yoga class online to help you with your practice
If you are new to yoga, join a beginner online class. For advanced, there are lots of options online. Classes help with guidance and rhythm in your practice. Find a teacher you connect with; someone who speaks your language. Try out different yoga classes and styles, you will find your tribe.
Go gentle with your meditation; it’s not easy…
Start small by sitting down on a cushion and setting your phone timer for five minutes. Close your eyes, stay focused on your breath and watch your mind jump around. You will be amazed to notice the amount and variety of thoughts that are in there. Keep observing the breath for five minutes. You are learning not to react and get lost in this jumble of thoughts. With time and practice, begin to lengthen your meditation. I meditate for fifteen minutes every day. After a few weeks, if you practice daily, you will notice your mind becomes a more peaceful place to be in.
Set a daily intention
Every morning I light three candles saying aloud whatever I am focusing on in my life. Sometimes my intention is to feel joyful or to be kinder to myself. To have more time for creativity; to relax a little. Whatever it might be, set it as your intention as you light your candle. Welcome it into your life and it will be drawn towards you. In this way we can live mindfully and in alignment with our heart. If your desire is to be happy, say that every morning. I am happy or I am attracting joyful experiences into my life. Say this as you light a candle and watch how life begins to shape around you. Watch how happiness and joy show up and how you start to reflect these qualities. Buddha said “Intention gives our life direction”. Why not set off in the direction of joy and happiness each morning?
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I created the Free Your Mind 4 week meditation course for anyone looking to calm an over-active mind and create more presence and ease in your everyday living.
The course includes:
4 meditation classes, one for each week.
2 live online meditation sessions.
Six audio guided meditations which are between 5-10 mins each. A Free Your Mind Resource that breaks down the 4 techniques, gives further inspiration (recommended books and podcasts) to continue the journey.
Once purchased the course and meditations are yours for life.