The thing about yoga practice is that it’s just that, a practice. A regular yoga practice can awaken your body, focus your mind, and ignite your spirit. I love flowing in community with other yogis at the yoga studio. But on days when I won’t be getting to the studio, it’s great to have a practice space at home that I can always count on to inspire me on my mat.

A journey through the senses is a great way to tune into your intuition and practice wholeness while engaging in the physicalness of being present in your practice. Part of physicalness is being here now fully in your body. I have found no better way to get into my body than through my five senses.

Because I love the feeling of sunshine on my skin, my first consideration for an awesome practice space is plenty of sunshine. Fortunately, a yoga mat doesn’t require that much space, so, if you push your coffee table out of the way, I’m sure you can find a sunshiny spot to bask in while practicing in your living room. The open space at the end of my bed by the window also works really well. I know you’ll find a little sunny spot for your yoga mat too.

Incorporate all of your other senses now. The sense of smell inspires me to focus my breath within. I love incorporating essential oils and all natural perfumes as part of my yoga practice. I love using scents that ignite an intention within me. Citrusy scents called “Passion,” “Cheer,” and “Epic Love” and currently my favorites. Experiment with incense sticks and cones, smudges, and tea leaves. I love breathing in the sweet air of beautiful perfumes. The sense of taste comes along for a journey with scents as well.

I enjoy flowing to soft background music so this is something I include in my practice space. I am currently flowing to 432 HZ music, which I find to be both invigorating and relaxing. You can choose whatever it is you want to hear – chanting, environmental sounds, healing binaural beats, the Beatles, whatever. Choose music that makes your heart happy. This is a perfect addition to your practice space. You can also consider chanting Om 3 times at the beginning and end of your practice. According to Patanjali, Om is considered to be the sound of God (Ishvara). The mental state induced by Om creates a sense of transcendental wholeness. And don’t forget silence. I also love listening to the sound of silence while I flow. Open your windows wide – weather permitting. Invite the outdoors in. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the breeze upon your skin and listen to the birds and the trees rustling outside.

Add something to your practice space you’d love to see. For me, a simple lit tea light reminds me to keep my gaze focused throughout my yoga flow. By practicing drishti, we can see more clearly. An inspirational object to look at during your practice sets your focus gently helping to enhance concentration and teaching us to see the world as it really is. A scented candle works triple time here. I also love fresh flowers and living plants in this space.

As you can see, for me, a beautiful practice space includes nature and a lot of simplicity. Incorporating your 5 senses into your yoga practice will add texture and beauty to your life. Your senses will be heightened and you’ll feel yourself come alive in ways you’d forgotten about. Creating the ultimate practice space is about inspiring and empowering yourself. Set your intention and flow om.