Feng Shui Tips for a Clean and Calming Yoga Space
Creating balance and harmony in your yoga practice goes beyond what you do on the mat. To get the most of your practice, it’s important to ensure your yoga space is not only clean, inviting, and clutter-free, but also incorporates some of the concepts of feng shui to help you create an environment that’s full of good vibes.
What Is Feng Shui?
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that over the years has developed into the practice of applying interior design principles and specific placement of items to encourage harmony within a home and a balance between an individual and their environment. The purpose of feng shui is to maximize the qi — or energy that connects all living things — in your home.
Place Your Yoga Mat in a Commanding Position
In feng shui, the commanding position is the most important part of the room as it allows you to be in control of the energy within that space. The commanding position is located at the furthest spot from the door, usually diagonally from it with a good view of the entry. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you have a solid wall, not a window, behind you for the strongest commanding position. If you can, grab your yoga mat and move it to the commanding position of the room where you practice to maximize good energy flow.
Add Greenery to Your Yoga Space
Indoor plants do a lot more than just look good in our homes. They also clean and detoxify the air, lower stress and anxiety, and can even boost productivity. Add a few of your favorite indoor plants to your yoga space, as they represent new life energy and bring a certain freshness wherever they go. We’ve compiled a handy guide of easy-to-care-for indoor plants to get you started.
Add Height and Go Vertical
When we say “go vertical,” this time we don’t mean getting into a handstand. Bringing vertical elements into your yoga space — like tall shelving for your yoga books and accessories, adding a tree that makes a dramatic impact, or adding flowy drapes that draw the eye up — can all make your space feel larger than it is.
De-Clutter and Keep It Clean
One of the best ways to feel at peace in your yoga space is to keep it clean and decluttered. Remove obstacles so you can freely move around without worrying about bumping into furniture as you practice. Pare down the number of objects in your space and keep only what serves a function, or like Marie Kondo says, “brings you joy.” Emphasize clean lines and define zones in an open layout by using area rugs. Make sure items are organized and have a place to be stored so you aren’t tempted to leave things in piles.
Using The Five Elements of Feng Shui In Your Yoga Space
Incorporating the five elements of feng shui into your yoga space should be done thoughtfully. The idea is for all of them to work together without one dominating any of the others to ensure the space feels calm, peaceful, and balanced. You can bring the five elements into your yoga space in a variety of ways; through the use of a color palette that corresponds to the elements, through an object or piece of furniture made of that element, from accessories made in the shape of what the elements represent, and more.
Wood
represents growth, kindness, vitality, creativity, and new life
Bring it into your yoga space with:
natural fabrics, fresh flowers, real plants, columnar shapes, wood furniture, long drapes, and a palette of blues, greens, and teals
A yoga-inspired idea:
a cotton yoga blanket or a yoga bolster in blue or greenFire
represents passion, enthusiasm, boldness, inspiration, expression, and action
Bring it into your yoga space with:
candles, light fixtures, triangular shapes, fireplaces, and pops of red in accessories
A yoga-inspired idea: a scented, non-toxic candle in an energizing scent, like lemongrassEarth
represents stability, security, grounding, and balance
Bring it into your yoga space with:
terracotta pottery, landscape art, earthenware bowls or vases, crystals, square or rectangular shapes, neutral tones
A yoga-inspired idea:
a yoga block in a neutral color, like our Uplifting Yoga Block in Dove Grey/SilverMetal
represents logic, mental clarity, focus, precision, and simplicity
Bring it into your yoga space with:
metal furniture or decor, circular shapes, mirrors, rocks and stones, wind chimes or bells, whites, grays, and metallic colors
A yoga-inspired idea:
a yoga mat in white, like our Warrior MatWater
represents wisdom, movement, emotions, spirituality, abundance, cleansing
Bring it into your yoga space with:
mirrors or reflective surfaces, images of water, fountains, curvy shapes, and touches of the color blue
A yoga-inspired idea:
a blue yoga strap, like our Alo Yoga Strap in Bright Aqua, or our Alo Glass Water Bottle
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