The idea of a space to write and to practice yoga is something that always interests me. I crave the idea of the "perfect" spot to do both, though then I put too much pressure on myself! One thing the pandemic threw up for me though was that I no longer have a solid home yoga practice. I think that because studios and gyms were closed for so long, and I had to attend at home Zoom classes, as soon as in person ones reopened I have never been able to get my home practice going again!
I can relate about finding the perfect place. Sometimes if I go out to write, I have a hard time settling on a spot if, say, my destination is a bit crowded or hot. Ahhh. But interesting about the home practice. I only really really started home practice with child then pandemic and I’ve kept it going partly because of ease and cost. But I really crave group classes way more than I’m able to attend! I’m the one who wants them at 6:00 am and well, that’s just not realistic! Do you usually go to the same ones? When I go, it’s typically just two teachers.
I know what you mean about ease and cost! When my kids were little, I used to attend one class per week and always craved more, which is why I developed a home practice. I have had several good teachers since I started and usually stick with one that I like at a time. Now I have a local gym that runs classes most days at different times with a great teacher and because it is owned by the local university, it is really affordable, especially if you take a monthly pass. Now that my kids are older, I am able to attend several classes per week, which really feels like a luxury!
That sounds really ideal! Amazing about the university.
I guess another reason I started liking home practice is that as I learned more about yoga, I felt I could do what I needed/wanted. But at the same time, I find a lot of inspiration and creativity (as well as alignment help!) from those particular teachers. It’s great to find a few you connect with. It’s also a way to connect with community.
I always look forward to your posts! My yoga and writing spaces are in the same room--a big L-shaped room that we had intended to be our bedroom but which didn’t quite fit our bed so it became my office (the long part of the L) and a nook for my yoga practice (the short part of the L) alongside a closet meant for clothes that is perfect for my yoga props. It’s such a treat to always be so close to my mat, but I also have to be sure to close up my workspace for the day so I can be present and not think “oh, I should send that email real quick” when I’m practicing. Still, it’s a lovely set up and I’m grateful for it!
This post speaks to me in a huge way because I am such a fan of creating space which inspires and comforts me. And you are correct, one doesn't need a large amount of money to create that. 💜
Oh my gosh, this is an awesome article that I needed to read! I’m struggling right now because we moved and I no longer have my own yoga room. I’m having to share space with the TV room, and I hate TV. I’ve found that waking up for sunrise yoga works so much better! It feels like home being outside. The sun and the bird chirps just make me smile. I think outside is my shell. When able, I love candles, ambient lighting, meditation music/nature sounds. 💙
What a great idea to take it outside! It's really hard not to have your own space. I guess you found something else to make your own. Thanks for the great comment and hope the move otherwise went well. :)
In my experience the greatest space for yoga is space you create in your consciousness to move intuitively, without self-evaluation or judgement. A peaceful and harmonious surrounding physical space is a compliment to that internal environment 💖🙏🏼
Just an additional thought...while the external environment can be a compliment, ultimately the intention of the practice of pratyahara is to transcend the impact of our sensory experience. Awareness of and responding to our attachment to needing the space to be just right IS yoga practice 💖🙏🏼
That's a lovely thought (as well as connection to yoga's traditions) and I guess also an extension of the idea that 'home can be anywhere.' I think this pertains to writing as well - both the way our writing practice can be carried with us everywhere and also need not be prone to external stimuli if we can create that space within. Thank you for two great comments, Kelly!
A second reading?! 💙 I’m so happy it spoke to you like this. And yes I need to go back and read Notre Dame in full. I’ve only read excerpts but it’s such a beautiful text.
Oh this was so interesting. Lots of food for thought here. I am convinced that environment has had a significant impact on me already. When we moved two and a half years ago the house needed a lot of work, but once we had managed to make it into some semblance of a home, I started to write. I am convinced that the change of environment triggered the impulse to write. No question.
Wow, that’s incredible that it created the impulse to write. I wonder if it was in the act of creating the space yourself as well. Thanks for such a great comment, Jules
The idea of a space to write and to practice yoga is something that always interests me. I crave the idea of the "perfect" spot to do both, though then I put too much pressure on myself! One thing the pandemic threw up for me though was that I no longer have a solid home yoga practice. I think that because studios and gyms were closed for so long, and I had to attend at home Zoom classes, as soon as in person ones reopened I have never been able to get my home practice going again!
I can relate about finding the perfect place. Sometimes if I go out to write, I have a hard time settling on a spot if, say, my destination is a bit crowded or hot. Ahhh. But interesting about the home practice. I only really really started home practice with child then pandemic and I’ve kept it going partly because of ease and cost. But I really crave group classes way more than I’m able to attend! I’m the one who wants them at 6:00 am and well, that’s just not realistic! Do you usually go to the same ones? When I go, it’s typically just two teachers.
I know what you mean about ease and cost! When my kids were little, I used to attend one class per week and always craved more, which is why I developed a home practice. I have had several good teachers since I started and usually stick with one that I like at a time. Now I have a local gym that runs classes most days at different times with a great teacher and because it is owned by the local university, it is really affordable, especially if you take a monthly pass. Now that my kids are older, I am able to attend several classes per week, which really feels like a luxury!
That sounds really ideal! Amazing about the university.
I guess another reason I started liking home practice is that as I learned more about yoga, I felt I could do what I needed/wanted. But at the same time, I find a lot of inspiration and creativity (as well as alignment help!) from those particular teachers. It’s great to find a few you connect with. It’s also a way to connect with community.
I always look forward to your posts! My yoga and writing spaces are in the same room--a big L-shaped room that we had intended to be our bedroom but which didn’t quite fit our bed so it became my office (the long part of the L) and a nook for my yoga practice (the short part of the L) alongside a closet meant for clothes that is perfect for my yoga props. It’s such a treat to always be so close to my mat, but I also have to be sure to close up my workspace for the day so I can be present and not think “oh, I should send that email real quick” when I’m practicing. Still, it’s a lovely set up and I’m grateful for it!
This post speaks to me in a huge way because I am such a fan of creating space which inspires and comforts me. And you are correct, one doesn't need a large amount of money to create that. 💜
Lovely Sue. Thanks for the comment!
Oh my gosh, this is an awesome article that I needed to read! I’m struggling right now because we moved and I no longer have my own yoga room. I’m having to share space with the TV room, and I hate TV. I’ve found that waking up for sunrise yoga works so much better! It feels like home being outside. The sun and the bird chirps just make me smile. I think outside is my shell. When able, I love candles, ambient lighting, meditation music/nature sounds. 💙
What a great idea to take it outside! It's really hard not to have your own space. I guess you found something else to make your own. Thanks for the great comment and hope the move otherwise went well. :)
In my experience the greatest space for yoga is space you create in your consciousness to move intuitively, without self-evaluation or judgement. A peaceful and harmonious surrounding physical space is a compliment to that internal environment 💖🙏🏼
Just an additional thought...while the external environment can be a compliment, ultimately the intention of the practice of pratyahara is to transcend the impact of our sensory experience. Awareness of and responding to our attachment to needing the space to be just right IS yoga practice 💖🙏🏼
That's a lovely thought (as well as connection to yoga's traditions) and I guess also an extension of the idea that 'home can be anywhere.' I think this pertains to writing as well - both the way our writing practice can be carried with us everywhere and also need not be prone to external stimuli if we can create that space within. Thank you for two great comments, Kelly!
I went back to a second reading 😊
I really love the reference to Notre Dame. And oh how Q. felt at home in that space.
A second reading?! 💙 I’m so happy it spoke to you like this. And yes I need to go back and read Notre Dame in full. I’ve only read excerpts but it’s such a beautiful text.
Oh this was so interesting. Lots of food for thought here. I am convinced that environment has had a significant impact on me already. When we moved two and a half years ago the house needed a lot of work, but once we had managed to make it into some semblance of a home, I started to write. I am convinced that the change of environment triggered the impulse to write. No question.
Wow, that’s incredible that it created the impulse to write. I wonder if it was in the act of creating the space yourself as well. Thanks for such a great comment, Jules
Beautiful! I love this .
Thank you, Sonia!
Thanks Kate 🤗 sounds fantastic. I really have come to love convertible spaces! I also like the idea of a nook. So cozy.