Yoga and meditation have become essential to many people’s lives as new yoga studios open and diverse types of yoga are offered. And it is not just the yoga class that draws people in, but also the community and friendships that evolve from sharing with a group of like-minded yogis.

Tips for how to enjoy your yoga practice when you can’t get to a yoga class or meditation session

As much as we like to stick to our routines and schedules to keep on track with the fitness of our body and mind, there are times you just can’t get to your yoga class. But you don’t have to be in a yoga studio to reap the benefits.

Let’s begin with meditation

A few years ago, I was on a yoga retreat. One evening we had a meditation session with a remarkably interesting man. He shared many stories with us, and told us that because he travelled extensively, he always practised meditation while waiting for a plane. He would do a walking meditation in the departure lounge by moving to any small space away from most of the seats, and begin walking a short route, focusing on his breath and repeating a mantra.

On my return from the blissful decadence of the retreat, I decided I would use this same principle when I was waiting to be served at the supermarket checkout – my most un-favourite place to be! I would simply stand behind my trolley, close my eyes, focus on my breath, and repeat a mantra that resonated with how I was feeling that day. It was amazing! Not only did I leave the supermarket feeling light and refreshed, but I almost began to enjoy the weekly shopping experience.

My point is you don’t have to sit crossed-legged in a quiet room with an altar of flowers, candles, incense, and soft music to enjoy meditation. Although this is a beautiful and truly blissful experience, life doesn’t always allow us to have these daily opportunities. So, make meditation part of your daily life as you go about your tasks, and you will feel balance slowly seep back into your life, body, and mind.

Yoga in my Daily Life

During my year of yoga teacher training, I would do about 1 ½ hours of personal yoga each morning, which I continued for many years. But there were days when life just got in the way. Instead of being happy with whatever time I had, I would either feel resentful of my missed time on the mat or not do my practice because I couldn’t do the full routine I loved.

Well, that wasn’t getting me far, and I noticed how my days seemed to go downhill quickly with that attitude!

So, I put a yoga mat under my bed, rolled out and ready to go. I gave up changing into yoga clothes and having a cup of tea first. Although that was part of my lovely morning routine, I didn’t need that to practice my yoga. So, I would wake up, pull out the mat and enjoy my practice for whatever time I had.

As I drove to work, I could practice “alternate nostril breathing” at the red lights. Then, at work, there were plenty of opportunities to practice shoulder stretches and forward folds at my desk to relieve any tightness and tension built up through the day and enjoy some deep breathing.

So once again, by making yoga part of your daily life for whatever time you have by including it in your daily tasks, there’s no excuse if you can’t get to a class or don’t have time.

Sitting on the train or bus, washing up, preparing a meal, doing the ironing, and standing in a queue are all times when you can practice some form of meditation or yoga. And as you go about these daily tasks bringing yoga and meditation into your life, you will find balance seep slowly back into body and mind.

Enjoy your daily yoga and meditation practice – however you can!

Maria x