Step#1 Know that space is both a mental and physical thing - So what you find challenging is both a physical and mental challenge. The first thing people will quickly say is "I don't have enough space to practice Yoga at home". So I suggest you start with replacing this statement with "How can I create space to practice Yoga at home?" and instead of trying to figure it all out, let the answer come to you... but the main thing here is - first be welcoming of the question and detach yourself from the statement of "not enough-ness".
Step #2 Use designated spaces - Before owning a yoga studio I had to share spaces with many others at community halls, dance studios, conference rooms, people's lounge rooms and even backyards. And we did not share the same values when it came to organisation or presentation. So the one common agreement we came up with was that we will at least keep the space clutter free and ready to use for whatever purpose. Everyone sharing the space took this responsibility to put back all items to their designated spaces after use. And this process even got us to designate spaces for various items. Having grown up in cities, physical space has always been limited so for a very long time my bedroom was a multipurpose room. And if your bedroom is your only space then look at ways to designate spaces, use boxes, drawers and zip locked bags to store your belongings away to create as much visible space as possible.
Step #3 Use a dedicated candle and some incense- Before practice light a candle and some incense to create a physical anchor as a reminder that it is time to start your practice. Only use this candle or incense when you practice and once you are finished dispose of the debris or put the candle and holder away to a place you can locate it next time. Alternatively you can also diffuse essential oils of your choice at the time when you practice.
Step #4 Always clean up after use - Use some tea tree or eucalyptus oil and water to clean your yoga mat, or dust off dry skin / hair / dust particles off your mat, roll it up properly and put it away in its designated space. Just like you do at the studio.
Step #5 Allow time to set up - Plan to set up to practice at least 15 minutes before you start. Just like you allow yourself time to clean and chop your food before cooking, you would do the same for practice. Allow yourself time to set up the physical space. And know that your practice starts then, when you start preparing. Start with: Scanning your space for things on the floor (put them away), Light the candle / incense / switch on the diffuser. Roll out your mat and enjoy what you can see around you, smell and hear. If your household is noisy, put on some music to keep your attention within your area of the house. Let others know in the house during this time that you are not to be disturbed and to have them get whatever they need from your room / space before you start.
Now you are ready.
Know that the fight over space is an ancient problem that gets passed on from generation to generation. If you don't manage to get the space inside your current home, you can convert even your balcony, garden or any space you can sit in or stand in to create some space to practice in. It's a matter of prioritising and honoring your personal well being. You can even change your practice slightly to be a standing practice to transition to a chair based one to suit your own needs. The practice can always be adapted to you. But most importantly to come out of a lack of space state, consider asking a question like: "How can I ......" than a statement as "I don't have enough..." and see the magic of your mind unfold on how you create space for anything you want...
The science of Ayurveda and Yoga are both derived from Rg Veda which is the ancient and original text where these sciences were prescribed for healing the mind, body and spirit. There are subjects like Rituals discussed in great detail and a branch of Ayurveda called Vastu Shastra (Indian Feng Shui) also that goes into more detail on how to position everything in our living space to create optimum energy flow. In this day and the age of Corona Virus , while we are at home, creating a good living space, that allows everyone to live harmoniously is just a big a need as is everything else. To stay mentally healthy we can all learn ways to change our habits, and create the best out of situations that might not feel so great. Once our physical space shifts it automatically shifts us mentally, so consider creating a space for whatever holds a lot of meaning for you and your personal well being right away.
Hari Om
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