1. You get to choose your own adventure. Have you ever gone to a yoga class to find the teacher planned to focus on an intense backbend practice when all you have the energy to do is lie over a bolster? Yeah, me too. When I practice in my living room, I can do whatever I want. I like being in charge.
2. Be free from fashion rules. You don’t have to worry about panty lines, falling out of your top, or other common wardrobe malfunctions.
3. Be FREE. If you need to swing around like a crazy person in Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) to release your neck, you can do it without fear of judgement… No one will think you’re a crazy person (even if you are) because no one’s watching. Except maybe your husband, but he probably already knows you’re a crazy person.
4. Set your own schedule. You don’t have to follow someone else’s schedule. You can practice any time you feel like it! After years of following studio schedules, it’s a liberating feeling.
5. Be your own teacher. I have been notoriously bad about practicing at home–I like to be led by others so I don’t have to think–but the times I’ve practiced alone and followed my intuition has taught me a lot about yoga and a lot about myself.
The best thing for me about home practise is the Music. In the classes sometimes you get the teacher who has that one mix (over and over) usually something like Sitars to Sleep by.
A few days ago I did a Grateful Dead / One Eskim0 mix for my practise. I can always match the music to my mood.
I also like my view better, I look out over a pasture field and have the cows and geese try to throw off my drishti by passing my window during balance poses.
I was also going to mention music!! At the studio where I practice, there is no music. I like it- it's very intense and it's also peaceful. However when I'm at home I LOVE turning on some of my favourite artists. It really helps to turn it into a more personal and fun experience for me. Having my little kitty snuggle with me during savasana is also a bonus. 🙂
I usually enjoy just following my intuition, but I also like planning classes for myself. Home practice rocks.
Definitely the cat factor! After fighting with my cats over the blankets for weeks during home practice, I now simply set out however many blankets I need, PLUS two more for my boys. They are yogi masters!
I love practice at home, even if I'm distracted by my four-year old son who thinks it's hilarious, and my two year old daughter who does a better downward dog than anyone I know!
The best part about practicing at (my) home is the fact that my apartment used to be a ballet studio–all mirrors! I can check out my form and readjust as necessary, taking my time!