How can I set up my yoga and learning space for the Mindfulness, SEL, and Yoga Teacher Training?

There are many ways to make yourself comfortable for the time you spend learning and moving with us. A few grads share a look at their spaces, both sacred spaces to remind you of your intentions and learning areas for your training.

Sacred Space

“With the table, I was very careful to make it my own and set it up as a calming space.” - Gwendolyn

1. Bit of Nature: Flowers, stones or other natural elements are a small way to add a pop of color and beauty. 
2. Your Favorite Read: What book continues to inspire you? Keep it handy to remember to read it and recall the lessons it taught you.
3. Diffuser: Especially if you’re also working out nearby and it’s a small space, a little diffuser can go a long way to keep your sacred space fresh.
4. Photos: Nothing better than a visual reminder of those we love to think of in our practice.
5. Journals: Studies show positive benefits of regular journaling, especially around gratitude and goal setting. You’ll want this nearby throughout your training - we integrate journal reflections!

Yoga Corner 

1. Meditation Cushion: If you love meditation, this can be worth investing in. For long meditation sessions, or even just a comfortable seat during class, these do the trick. Many types of seats will work - if you already have something you like, keep it! 
2. Two Blocks: We recommend cork blocks over other materials because they tend to hold more stable under the wrists. Having two blocks instead of one can be particularly helpful for standing poses. 
3. Elevated Laptop: Be sure you can see the screen easily from your mat, including the standing poses that you know are coming your way! A variety of household objects can be the simple boost your screen needs. 
4. Props: The more comfortable you are with props yourself, the better you will be able to cue others to use them effectively. Pick up a yoga blanket and bolster to gain experience modifying seated and supine poses.

Temporary Yoga Space

1. Snacks: The sessions are not long, but keep water and snacks handy since you can… the beauty of online learning!
2. Visible Screen: For the yoga portions of the training, make sure you can see your screen from your mat to get all the visual support and cues being offered.
3. Privacy: If you similarly can stare straight into your neighbors’ kitchens or homes from your space, consider closing the blinds or hanging a cover so you can get in your body without an audience.
4. Props: Mat, blocks, a strap, and a comfortable seat (meditation pillow pictured here) can all be helpful.
5. Change of Scene: Missing yoga outside your home? Roll up the rug, hang a divider in your room (sheet, anyone?) or get creative to make it feel like a slightly different space while you practice.

Yoga Practice Space

1. Chair: You may need to use a chair as a prop to support modifications to your practice and that is completely OK! The B4C trainers will offer suggestions on how to modify your practice using a chair, however, we will not explicitly teach chair yoga.

2. Prop Basket: Find a small storage container to house your blocks, strap, and blanket when you're not using them for practice.

3. Sacred Items: Arrange meaningful items in a spot that is visible during your practice as a source of inspiration each time you step on your mat!

4. Comfy Seat: Consider setting up close to another seating area in your home so you can easily transition from your mat to a comfortable seat during training sessions.