Take Your Practice With You Wherever You Go This Summer

Summer is here, yogi friends! If you are like me, you are looking forward to some travel and fun. Lately, I’ve found that when I’m away from my house, my routine and my mat for a while, I have an extra hard time getting back to yoga when I return. Maybe you’ve noticed that also? So, how do we make it easier? For me, even a little bit of practice while I’m away from home helps me find my way to my mat again more easily. I know many of you have returned to in-person classes, and you can always try to find a studio or gym on your travels. That can be very fun. However, guiding yourself through yoga when you are on the road is simple, costs nothing and allows you to adapt your practice to how you feel on any given day, and how much time, space or privacy you have.

If you want to try self-guiding this summer, now is the time to get started. It’s so much easier to learn when you are still at home. Below, I’ve adapted a practice method from my book to help get you going. I've used this method many times to inspire my own practice. My hope is that it inspires you too.

---

"Thanks, I'll Take It From Here"

1) Start by finding a recorded yoga class that is at least 40 minutes in length. You can find good classes on YouTube and on yoga or fitness-oriented streaming platforms. Take the whole class, start to finish, to make sure it’s something you really enjoy, because you will work with this same class for several days.

2) The next time you practice, take the class again, but stop it 10 minutes before the end. Sit in a comfortable position or lie on your back for a few breaths. Feel into your body. Notice what you can, without judgment.

3) Move your awareness to your thoughts and then to your emotions. Again, just allow yourself some time for quiet and awareness.

4) Based on what you have noticed in your body, mind and heart, what do you do next? What would feel exactly right? Give yourself permission to do just that. Maybe you need some additional movement, a vinyasa or several more vinyasas? Possibly you feel that something was missing from a sequence and you want to add that? Maybe a simple pranayama practice and a few moments of meditation are needed? How about a nice, long Savasana?

5) The next time you practice, take the class but stop it 15 minutes before the end. The day after that, stop the recording 20 minutes before the end of the class; then the following day, stop the class 25 minutes before the end...you get the idea. You will steadily increase the amount of time you self-guide, but let the recorded class get you started. Know that eventually, you are freeing yourself completely from needing to be guided by the teacher. You become the teacher.

If you’d like some suggestions for recorded classes or streaming services, just let me know. I have some favorites that I’d be happy to share with you. And, as always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I’m happy to help you in any way I can. With much love and light, Molly