Your practice space
You don’t need a dedicated
yoga space: you just need a room or part of a room in which there is enough
space to stretch out when you are lying down, move your arms when you are
standing up and accommodate a yoga mat. It helps to do in a warm, peaceful and
pleasant environment where there is plenty of light and fresh air (unless this
makes the room too cold). Choose a place that is as free from distractions as
possible. You can also practise outside, as long as you are not in direct
sunlight or the temperature is not too low for comfort. (According to Shri K Pattabhi
Jois. you should avoid warming up by jogging or standing in front of a fire if
you are cold!)
Don’t worry if you don’t
have art ideal place in which to practise yoga; within about two minutes of
starting your practice your attention [urns inward and you will be much less
conscious of your environment.
Choose a yoga mat that
feels comfortable. There are several different types on the market including
“sticky”, cotton and foam mats. “Sticky” mats are good for helping your feet to
get a stable grip, cotton mats are comfortable and good at absorbing moisture,
and thicker foam mats offer plenty of padding, although some people find them
more difficult to balance on.
