I did it! I did a home yoga practice for 21 days straight with the help of Yoga Journal. Then I did another 21 days all on my own. And ... I’m still doing it.
In early January I saw an article in Yoga Journal announcing a home yoga practice challenge January 10 through January 30. The article was intriguing, but I was doubtful. Then I found the two-page spread on a “simple everyday practice” by Kate Holcombe. I noticed right away that there were no down dogs, back bends, or hand stands. It was all done lying or kneeling on the floor – simple – simple - simple.
I cut out the spread, taped it into a file folder for easy reference, and gave it a whirl. It was primarily spine, leg, and arm stretches. It was just what it said - simple. Afterward, relaxed and refreshed, I signed up for the challenge.
The first issue was, WHEN am I going to do this? I had imagined doing it first thing in the morning. But I already have a morning journal writing practice that occurs before breakfast and dressing for work. I knew trying to get up earlier was not going to work for me. Then I realized that I go to a yoga studio two nights a week after work. I decided on the days I didn't go to the yoga studio I would do the home practice immediately upon arriving home from work.
During the challenge, I received a daily email with a 20-45 minute video. At first I tried to watch the video and then do the sequence. But it was too hard to remember all the poses, so I switched to setting my laptop on the floor and following along with the instructor. After one 45-minute sequence, I determined that 30 minutes would be my maximum. Since all previous videos were still available, if the one for a particular day seemed too much, I would repeat one that had worked well for me. There were plenty of down dogs and sun salutations, but no backbends or hand stands.
During the 21 Day Challenge, I found that the daily yoga practice became a ritual for marking the end of my workday and the beginning of my personal time. I remembered how years before, when I was teaching in Singapore, I would arrive home in the heat of the afternoon and take a shower to mark the conclusion of my workday.
