I like to use aromatherapy, lighting and sound to help set the mood, espeically during more meditative practices, to assist students in letting go of their outerworlds and turning that attention inside - allowing them to get the most out of each practice.
Tonight I used a patchouli and lavendar oil blend for inhalation during our centering practice; essential oils and jojoba oil blended together and simply rubbed on my hands, placed a few inches in front of each students nose during pranayama (breathing exercises) - this is to help calm and ground us, to prepare for the moving meditation that follows (I like a peppermint and sweet orange blend for a more invigorating, often morning, practice - those scents go great with Sun Salutations.) I burned a little sandalwood incense just before, and during savasana, to really calm and center the mind.
Full lighting at the beginning of the practice so we are awake, aware and engaged; dimming as the class draws near end, helping to turn the awareness more fully inward.
Smooth, rhythmic, simple music to assist in inducing a relaxed state, to keep you purely in the moment with your body while allowing your mind/spirit to soar, culminating with singing bowls during savasana.
All of these things subtle; to aid you in tuning in. You are, afterall, the focus of your yoga practice.
Take a deep breath, and exhale...
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A great place to "tune in' is a donation yoga class. There is a great donation yoga community in Long Beach and I'm happy to be a small part of it - I lead a donation practice each Monday at 7:15PM at WE Move - come by and introduce yourself if that suits your schedule.
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