The alarm went off. 6am. It was still dark outside, the wind was howling with such ferocity that I swear I felt the draft through the window. All I wanted to do in that moment was roll over and go back to sleep. I laid there for a few minutes knowing full well that if I didn't get up and practice that I would for sure regret it for the rest of the day.
The mantra that I kept repeating in my head as I lay there in bed was: Just get on your mat.
I knew that was all that I had to do and my practice would come automatically. My body would be eager to start moving, slowly, softly, dancing to the wind outside. I just had to get on my mat. One groggy step at a time I walked in the dark to where I practice. With full presence I lit my candles and incense, it smelled so good.
The calm of the early morning hour pervaded my senses as I started my practice. First asanas (physical postures), then pranayama (breath work) then meditation.
For the rest of the day I felt the lingering peace that had filled my being thanks to my morning yoga practice. All because I simply showed up. It is not always easy (my bed is so comfy!), but never have I once said to myself later in the day, "I should have slept in!" :)
More to come on starting a home yoga practice......