You don't always have to get to class to do your yoga practice. Moreover, you may find that a home practice can help you meet your daily renewal needs in more profound ways that a group class can. Or maybe just doing a few minutes on your mat each day can compliment the work you do in class.

Here are some guidelines to help you build a new home practice or refresh your old home practice:

WHY?

First, begin by establishing your goals and intentions. Ask yourself, "What is my intention?" "What do I hope to cultivate through a yoga practice?" This will help you decide what kind of practice to do, and what sort of poses may serve you best. You may be surprised that based on your intentions, your home practice can wind up looking very different than you expected.

WHEN?

Establish how many days a week and how long you can practice. Be realistic. It's better to practice 15 minutes each day than once a week for two hours. Sometimes my best practices can be 20 or 30 minutes.

WHERE?

Create a sacred space for yourself. Choose a quiet, clean, warm place that is free of distractions. When your space feels special and welcoming, you are more likely to want to spend time there. And you will feel more relaxed as soon as you step into it.

WHAT?

Assess your needs and the current state your body and mind. Ask yourself “What do I need to focus on?” I actually do this every time I practice. For a long time, what I needed to focus on was not what I gravitated towards. I had to really listen inward to recognize what I needed. And, I do need something different each month, week or day – depending on how I’m feeling.

RESEARCH POSES AND SEQUENCES

Remember a routine should strive for balance. Eventually you should include asana, breathing, meditation and relaxation (resources listed below). But, while you set out to create a curriculum also consider that you will learn to trust your own insight and intuition. Just because a pose is recommended doesn’t mean you have to do it.

PLAN YOUR PRACTICE

For beginners it is often helpful to develop an exact routine. Over time, try just an outline with ideas of what direction you want to go in. And even try making it up as you go along! If you find it too hard to start-up. I vote for using a video or audiotape - then simply start to wean yourself off the tape a little at a time. Maybe just use the online practice for 5-20 minutes, then, do the rest of the practice on your own. Eventually, try practicing with no resources.

ALLOW FOR CHANGE

The purpose of your practice will change as your life changes. Practice should never be habitual. Constantly adapt your routine to meet your changing needs.