Finding a balanced yoga practice in times of change

Maintaining a balanced yoga practice can be difficult at the best of times. When we find ourselves disrupted from our routine, how do we continue to get the best out of our practices?

Through conversations with others and based on my own experiences I have found that we can find ourselves disengaged from our practice as soon as we are travelling, face illness or some other life change (like moving house or starting a new job).

Personally I have struggled with my practice of late. I am constantly on the move, living out of a very small bag and finding myself in some less-than-conducive to yoga practice living arrangements.

So how do we juggle all of these changes and still achieve a balanced practice?

Find a quiet, peaceful space. I am laughing as a write this, with memories of a noisy, cramped and windowless Bangkok hostel room I found myself in for three days. It is not always easy.  I was  however, fortunate to discover the rooftop where I could go through my asanas undisturbed. At home, having a quiet, uncluttered and dedicated space allows for peaceful practice.  Even better, take your practice outdoors, to the beach or to a park to feel mother nature between your toes.

Bring to your practice some things to help you focus. If you are anything like me, you can be easily distracted.  I have a small portable speaker that plugs into my iPhone so I can have a soundtrack to my yoga or meditation practice.  It helps me relax and focus on my breathing.  I also like to have some incense burning (although some say it gets up their nose!) and a candle if it is early morning.  These are little things, but they really set the mood for relaxation and revitalisation.

I am constantly on the move, living out of a very small bag and finding myself in some less-than-conducive to yoga practice living arrangements.

Set a minimum routine that you can do easily every day. My good friend said to me that she “just starts with the warm up, and sees where from there”. It makes so much sense, and I copied her lead.  Our routine takes us through some stretches from head to toe, as well as a few basic asanas like Marjariasana (cat stretch pose) and Trikonasana (triangle pose). Even if I am feeling sluggish, once past the warm up, I feel energised and ready to continue. I always make time for Shavasana (corpse pose).  This asana relaxes the whole psycho-physiological system, develops body awareness, and with a relaxed body, develops mind awareness.  Try out and develop a minimum practice routine that works for you.

Set a focus for your practice. Setting a dedication to someone, a resolution, or a mantra allows for strong focus.  I imagine that I am connected to mother earth more deeply through tree pose, or sending my love to someone through the warrior sequence.  I feel much more revitalised if I have had purpose to my practice rather than just going through the motions.  

The most important thing for maintaining a balanced yoga practice in times of change is to be kind to yourself when you don’t have time, or don’t feel motivated. We are all very good at shaming ourselves, but it doesn’t get us anywhere!

You will know when it is the right time to get back on the mat!

Please share with me what you do to help you achieve balance with your yoga practice in times of change?