Blank Slate

I am all about distraction-free yoga. I've written about a home practice before but I wanted to jot down some thoughts about how to be as free from distractions as possible anytime, anywhere practicing yoga.

• Dress in layers. Maybe I'm just cold all the time but I find so much comfy comfort in wearing a soft long sleeve shirt, long yoga pants and SOCKS. This isn't practical for a dynamic flow, but it sure feels nice during a restorative practice.
• I have really long hair. It can be hard to manage during a practice that involves inversions and laying on one's back. Long hair can get hot, hit you in the face during triangle, and it hasn't happened to me yet but I feel like I may someday step on it if I'm not careful! It may seem superficial, but managing my long hair means distractions are at a minimum. Here are my current favorite ways to do that:
• Long braid down the back. More contained than a regular ponytail and savasana-approved. Hairstyles should definitely be savasana approved.
• Headbands. Even if you don't have bangs, this is a way to keep hair from making an appearance into the face during yoga. I'm a big fan. Large or small, it's up to you.
• Bun over bun over bun. Also a favorite hairstyle for running marathons, this is the ultimate 'I don't want to think about my hair'-do. If you do it high enough, can definitely be savasana-approved! For added power, combine with headband.
• It's traditional to do yoga on an empty stomach. I tend to feel nauseous and languid when I haven't eaten in awhile. Not that I want to practice right after a full meal, but a little snack half an hour before can be helpful. I don't like trying to draw from an empty well.
• Speaking of empty wells, I have to have a water bottle nearby! Deep breathing can dry my the nose and throat and leave me feeling thirsty. It's better to prepare and not use it than not have water and wish you did.
• Keep it simple. Yoga is a very commercialized activity right now, but there is simply no need to buy into it. Towels, gloves, psychedelic pants, bright colored bras, special headbands, etc.. you could go bankrupt trying to keep up with the 'Yoga' that is being sold. If those things speak to you, great, but I find the more I look into that stuff the less I am probably doing yoga. A minimalistic approach is not a bad one to have.

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