It’s Day 4 of our 21 Day Yoga Challenge and I bet some of you are wanting to practice yoga at home, but are a bit unsure of what to do without the guidance of a teacher. That is perfectly natural and how we all get started until we become super fluent with the asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing exercises).

Here’s how I start my practice each day: I go to the mat and sit for a moment with my eyes closed and I just notice how my body feels. I notice what part of my body really seems to want to be stretched. I notice which muscles are tight. I note my overall energy. Do I feel like standing or sitting? Folding in or opening up? Do I feel like actively moving or going at a slow pace?

Those are just some of the cues I take from my body. But I allow my mind and spirit to direct my practice as well.

Let’s say that you did all that and you are still not coming up with anything. (Happens all the time.) Maybe today what you are meant to do is simply sit quietly on the mat and not do anything. Perhaps that could be the biggest challenge for you.

By the way, there is nothing wrong with pulling out a yoga video or DVD. On occasion, I’ll use that as my practice. (I’m a fan of Tara Stiles now.) There are a ton of short videos on YouTube and you have some of my videos from this blog. If you like my style, I will be adding more and more here soon.

I’d love to hear your questions or comments about your home practice – from all of you – whether you are novice or a teacher.

Love & light,

Suzanne