Practising in limited space or not at all?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

i have a bit of a dilemma atm and would like to hear from others what might be the best way to go about this?

as i mentioned in another thread i am travelling all over the place and my practise has become a little erratic, due to space or privacy limitations, leaving me somewhat dissatisfied at times.

today i had a place all to myself, with no time or space constraints and was able to practise for and extended period, leaving me in a state of sheer and utter bliss.
i don’t seem to be able to achieve this when i am practising say: inside a caravan , or on the floor of a tiny room where there is just about enough space to unroll the mat.

i am in two minds if i should continue the asanas in a cramped style, doing as best as i can, or cherish those rare moments where i have all the time and space in the world?
i COULD go outdoors but feel a little self conscious with passer bys :frowning:

your suggestions?

namaste
Savannah

#2

Hello Savannah,
Yoga is union. And that union is between you and what is, not what you wish for or what you are wishing away. Why choose? Why not continue the best you can when it’s cramped, AND cherish those rare moments when you have all the time and space in the world, AND become [I]curious [/I]about yourself when you feel self conscious while practicing your asana outside. Those ALL sound like wonderful ways to get to know yourself on a deeper level. These practices translate directly from your mat and into your life. Practice now and you’ll keep your internal spaciousness when life feels too cramped, you’ll know serenity when time feels too limited and you’ll know your [I]own[/I] friendship even when you feel self conscious or unsure out in the world. Practicing with “what is” develops true gratitude and this is what allows one to fully enjoy those times when things do fit just perfectly. You are so fortunate for all of these opportunities, so don’t say no to any of it!

Namaste

#3

aaaah Nichole, you are a gem :smiley:
thank you for pointing out what was staring me in the face and i refused to look at, of course we don’t live in an ideal world, and who’s ideal would that be anyway…

Namaste

Savannah

#4

you are welcome of course, though i am only reflecting back to you what you were showing me.
it was you.
shine on

#5

hi Savannah,
I really relate to your woes of not always having enough space for a full or regular practice. When this happens to me, I edit my practice to do poses that work better with the space. I also find it is a good time to do a few non-moving poses, such as downward dog, headstand… or even just a few restorative poses. A few un-moving and contained restorative poses will do a wonderful job bringing your attention inward.

Good luck!

#6

[quote=Nichole;8789]Hello Savannah,
Yoga is union. And that union is between you and what is, not what you wish for or what you are wishing away. Why choose? Why not continue the best you can…
Namaste[/quote]

Nicole, as always, is the ‘Robin Hood’ of insightful. SPlitting that arrow of insight with her very own.
Seems hardly a choice to make when you look at it this way.

AS for ‘outside’ or more public, I think many of us get shy and anxious about doing yoga (or any personal pursuit) in public.
What has helped me in getting over much of it was to start by doing this kind of thing in a consistent, ‘same’ setting at first. Settling into a more ‘private’ spot in a park which had a Rose garden and areas for sitting and reflection. After some consistent sessions in that same place it became much easier to just pick other convenient spots and not be as anxious.
As it happens I started this mainly for my meditative practice, before getting into yoga. But now transferring to yoga practice has become fairly easy.
Relatively conservative dress helps YOU be more comfortable about yourself. Setting up in a quiet shady spot, as opposed to right next to a softball diamond makes things a lot more mo-jo:p
Pretty soon you’ll have a sixth sense for nosing out the ‘right spot’ where ever you go.
And when I used to travel and get out early in the am, from the hotel, to take a walk; I’d often pass an early morning tai-chi group or other activity in progress; I’d just set up shop a few yards away - just another ‘player’ out on the pitch - slightly different sport, same idea…
yoga outdoors - incredibly powerful and beautiful thing

#7

well, i learnt to live with it, lots of poses can be practised on the floor of a small caravan :smiley:
thanks for all your encouraging comments.
Namaste
Savannah