A Yoga Studio that Felt Like Home

I’d found my home.

At least, that’s how I felt, walking into my local yoga studio for the first time. The lobby was spacious and bright, the front door had been left propped open to let a fresh breeze flow through. The air swirled around playfully with the smoke rising from the tip of a burning incense stick. From a small speaker, softly, came the transcendent sounds of singing bowls. On a table to the right of the front desk, books about meditation and the yoga sutras were available to browse.

Everywhere I looked, I saw reminders that I was in a place dedicated to something different from anywhere else I’d been that day, far from the stresses of work, family and friends, to-do lists, the freeway. This was a space for tuning out all that noise. It felt like a blessed escape.

I wanted to move in. I practically did. I returned nearly every day, for over a decade until, one day in March of 2020, my beloved studio closed its doors for what turned out to be forever. I mourned. I grieved the loss of my home-away-from-home. But here is a miracle: we are resilient. Over time, I have made peace with saying goodbye to my studio, and am finding unexpected joys and lessons in a private practice at home.

A Home that Feels Like a Yoga Studio

Transforming an area of your home into a serene sanctuary for yoga practice can elevate your experience and deepen your connection to the art of movement and mindfulness. Whether you're seeking to escape the chaos of daily life or simply yearning for the feeling of a professional studio, there are ways to cultivate a space that fosters peace, tranquility, and spiritual growth. From mindful decoration to incorporating soothing music and essential oils, here are eight steps to help you create the yoga studio experience in the comfort of your own home.

1. Dedicate a space: Designate a specific area in your home for yoga practice.

   • This doesn’t have to be an entire room. Choose a spot with enough space for your yoga mat—bonus if there’s an open wall nearby for legs-up-the-wall and inversion practice!—and ensure the floor is clean and flat.

   • Remove any items that might distract you during your practice to create a serene environment.

   • Decorate mindfully, incorporating calming elements such as plants, candles, or artwork with serene imagery to create a tranquil ambiance.

2. Set the mood: Use soft lighting, calming music, or essential oils to create a peaceful atmosphere.

   • To mimic that studio glow, use dimmable lights or soft, indirect lighting.

   • Play soothing music. Stream any of my curated yoga playlists for free on Spotify, or create playlists of your own.

   • Use incense or candles with calming scents like lavender or chamomile for an aromatherapy experience.

3. Adjust temperature: Make sure the room is comfortably warm. If there’s one thing we aren’t recreating at home, it’s a “hot” yoga studio. Still, it’s ideal for the room to be at a temperature that supports muscle movement and minimizes stiffness.

4. Gather props: Have any props you might need, such as blocks, straps, or bolsters, within reach to support your practice.

5. Silence distractions: Turn off electronic devices or put them on silent mode to minimize interruptions. If you share your space with others, consider letting them know that you need uninterrupted time for your practice to fully focus and benefit from it. Feel free to remind them of all the ways they’ll benefit from your having had practice time, too.

6. Establish a centering routine: Follow a consistent pre-practice ritual to center your awareness on the present moment.

   • Take a few moments to ground yourself with breath work or meditation.

   • Consider incorporating a ritual that resonates with you, such as lighting a candle or setting an intention.

7. Practice: Whether you are streaming a guided class online, or following a sequence of your own, commit your attention to fully engaging with each movement and breath.

8. Don’t skip Savasana: It may feel like the most skippable yoga pose in a home practice, but Savasana is the pose that gives all those students spilling out of the studio that post-yoga glow. After a thorough yoga practice at home, Savasana offers a well-earned opportunity for deep relaxation and integration, and provides a chance for the mind to quieten, fostering mental clarity, and enhancing overall well-being.

Creating a yoga practice space that mirrors the tranquil ambiance of a professional studio can offer a sense of escape and sanctuary within the comfort of your own home. Much of the allure of a yoga studio lies in its serene atmosphere and dedicated environment for introspection and growth. Replicating this experience at home is entirely achievable with thoughtful design and intention. By incorporating elements such as calming music, soothing scents, and mindful rituals, you can transform any corner of your home into a sacred space, conducive to deepening your yoga practice and finding peace amidst life's hustle and bustle.