How My Yoga Practice Changed When I Started Practicing Alone
I never was a “go to the gym” type person. I never was a “workout at home” type person either. I dabbled in it here and there especially when the Reebok step made its appearance into the market. I did enjoy going to classes though. Something about the energy of everyone in there really worked for me. It was nice to think that we all were there for similar reasons.
One day Groupon gave me the opportunity to practice for a month at a yoga studio at a very reasonable price. So I snatched it up, went to a class, and never looked back again! This time, students were there for SO many more reasons! Some were there to relax, for a workout, more flexibility, self-awareness, better sleep, to quiet their minds, to strengthen their muscles in order to ease the pain of certain injuries, to gain confidence, to look good in a bathing suit, I mean, there were endless reasons! How can one-word, Yoga, help in so may different ways?
I loved practicing at the studio. (I still do!) It wasn’t cheap and many people asked why I just didn’t practice at home with youtube videos or with the knowledge I already had. First of all, I wanted to make certain that I was practicing properly and instructors were able to talk me through it and also assist in adjusting my body so that I felt the full benefit of the pose. Second, as I stated before, I love the energy of everyone together in the same room. Third, I met some really great people in my classes as my sense of community developed. I couldn’t imagine practicing alone at home. I thought it would be, well, boring.
When I decided to move to Greece, I knew that my studio time was coming to an end. Sure, there are studios here in Greece but I couldn’t justify paying for classes without actually having a job yet. At that point, I already had my teaching certificate so I knew more than enough to practice safely and creatively. So, I slowly started practicing in the comfort of my own home and this is what happened:
The Energy in My Home Changed
Every day before my practice began, I would set up my space. I would tidy up a bit, clean the kitchen, light incense and burn sage to clear out any floating negative energies from previous thoughts or feelings of mine or anyone that had entered my home. As I practiced, I was sending out so much positivity and love for the practice along with gratefulness that my body could move in different ways that it just lingered around my home. Warm scented candles always burned and essential oils diffused added to this spirit of light that embraced my entire apartment at all times.
I Began to Listen Closely
I began to notice what my own body was feeling in terms of what felt good and what didn’t or what needed work and what didn’t. I listened. I just simply listened. And although I’m not competitive or comparative, I still found moments where I wondered why I couldn’t do a particular pose yet or why some people’s hamstrings weren’t tight and mine were. But again, I listened. I was able to hear the voice in my head saying, “Elli, maybe you need to do a series of different poses to strengthen and stretch the areas needed to ultimately reach the other peak pose.” Sometimes it said, “You’re good kiddo, your body is here right now and it’s the best place for it.”
Although I discussed many things with myself, out loud sometimes, practicing alone got me to stop the chatter and simply feel my way through it. Sometimes difficult and sometimes epic, I started to accept where I was (and still am) in my practice with love, gratitude, acceptance, and gentleness.
My Self-expression Changed
You know how when you watch the Nutcracker and together with the music and the ballet you feel a sense of grace entering your soul? Or how when you watch a violinist perform with their eyes closed as though they have entered another dimension? This is how I felt. My body felt fluid and graceful and elegant as if I were performing for the entire world in a magical kingdom surrounded by the sound of the symphony playing the soundtrack to my being, all the while not knowing that they were watching. Everything was in slow motion as I enjoyed every single second of it.
Practicing Alone Taught Me That:
- I can create a space full of positive energy with the powers that lie within me.
- I can listen to my inner spirit that it is always there rooting for me and guiding me.
- Silence and mindfulness is such a commodity in today’s world and if I can grab it for a short time every day, then I am lucky.
- I alone am responsible for creating this amazing feeling inside of me, not only after my
practice, but every second of the day.
Namaste friends 🙂