Creating a Cozy Yoga and Healing Space in Your Home
I’m a big believer in creating a space in your home that’s dedicated to just you, to your healing and to your yoga and meditation practice. A place you can go to and instantly feel like you can release and let go. For most of us, a room isn’t possible (if it is……woot jackpot, set that room up baby…and hit me up here if you want some help) but realistically we might only have a corner in our home where we can store a yoga mat and some props. Often that corner can be pretty uninspiring and not really a space where you feel like going to…..I bet for a lot of you it’s become a blind spot, somewhere where you dump your exercise stuff and don’t actually see it anymore. Maybe you haven’t felt inspired to reach for your mat in weeks if not months?
Years ago, a teacher once said, in order to have a regular yoga practice you have to create it and you do this by keeping yourself inspired by your surroundings and understanding your why - why you practice yoga in the first place. I took this idea and ran with it by creating a spot in my home where I could store the things that inspired me to get on my mat every day…..a place I could look at and think ahhhhh thats the feeling I’m chasing. And what feeling is that you ask? Well it’s different for all of us but for me I aim to feel connected, calm, in touch with my spirituality and able to bring myself back to my own ‘why I practice yoga’. And I have to say it has worked for me. I have had a consistent yoga practice for 20+ years now.
Of course you don’t need much to have a regular and rewarding yoga practice. You don’t even need a mat really (although they help). The idea of having some useful yoga props and setting up a space where you can display your meaningful objects that connect you to your healing and spirituality journey are only ideas that may help you to stay inspired and want to get back on your mat when you otherwise might lose sight of your why.
This will all vary from person to person, depending on individual taste, available space and overall intentions but if you’re interested in how I curated my own little healing space, here are a list of my go to’s (nothing too fancy or expensive I promise).
Props I recommend. This is based on being able to have a really nurturing restorative practice as well as a more vigorous vinyasa practice.
A non slip yoga mat. I have tried them all, believe me. Personally, I keep coming back to Lululemon because it’s the only mat where I feel I can really let go and not worry about slipping around. I also like Jade mats. Manduka is also good but I don’t find the grip to be particularly grippy ( I have had mine for years and maybe I have extra sweaty hands but I still feel like I slip around on it). I also have a Yogi Peace Club mat which I like and use for my yin or restorative practice. Really though, you only need one mat.
A yoga bolster (or two if you have the space and budget - this really allows for a supportive and beautiful restorative practice).
Two yoga blocks (always handy even if you are super flexible).
A yoga strap (again, always handy even if you are super flexible)
A yoga blanket (you can use during savasana and restorative practices).
An eye pillow (I love these for savasana and restorative practices. I find having one readily available really helps me to drop in and relax).
Tips on creating a beautiful space
Find a basket to store your yoga mat and props. This keeps it clean and for me, a clean space helps me to feel calm and keep my head clear.
A little table or bookcase where you can store photos that bring you joy, a candle, some crystals, a salt lamp. Anything that gives you a sense of feeling cozy, calm and that overall hygge vibe.
Have some books displayed…..the ones that when you look at them you are transported back to the feeling you had when you first read them. I like to keep my yoga texts displayed and I will often re-read them when I need a boost.
A journal and pen so you can write down anything that needs to be let out. Journalling is an incredible tool for reflection, inspiration and ideas. I journal a lot and have always found it helps me. Plus, it’s amazing how fresh your mind is after a good yoga and or meditation practice so use your journal to jot down the ideas you’ve had. Some of my best ideas come to me on my mat.
An indoor plant. There are countless studies that show the healing benefits of indoor plants. Some of these benefits include; helping to improve mood and focus and reducing fatigue, stress and anxiety. Perfect for your healing space.
Oracle cards if these are your thing. They are definitely my thing, and my favourite deck to use before my yoga practice is my Yogic Deck cards. On top of helping you to connect to an intention or idea, these cards are a great way to learn about yoga and Indian philosophy.
A giant mug of tea. I love herbal tea and find it very comforting to sit and meditate with a big cup of herbal tea. I’ve even been contemplating making a little tea ceremony table (well delegating this to my very clever partner to make). With your tea, make sure if you are using tea bags you opt for zero plastic bags. So many brands, even the ones that look all peace, love and happiness can have plastic in them. These small particles of plastic are toxic and a big no no.
A collage board. I am constantly cutting things out I love in order to add them to my collage board. I find it helps my creativity and helps to inspire me to keep dreaming and practicing. I also collage in my journal. It may or may not be your thing but I love it and find its a great way to express myself.
As mentioned none of the above is a must in order for you to have a regular yoga practice or to commence your healing journey. They are just ideas to inspire and if you have the inclination, help you to set up a space that serves you. As always, if you want to chat or have any ideas or photos of your space you would like to share, send me a message here. And if you would like to book in for a naturopathic consultation, you can do so here.