Six Tips for a Harmonious Yoga Space

By Erin Berkery

Use these suggestions to design your practice room

1. Clean up the clutter:  “Excessive clutter within your space, including hidden clutter in closets and drawers—and yes, under the bed counts—stagnates the energy around you, and can cause health issues while also blocking new opportunities from coming your way,” Alvarez says. When you put your mat down, survey the nearest entryway. Removing scattered sneakers invites new possibilities. Meditate on that.

2. Pick the right spot: Don’t base your practice on the prettiest room. According to Black Hat Feng Shui, which is the funky younger sis of the Shui tradition, every room has a grid, and the center of every room is associated with health—so the center is the ideal place to put your mat. And next time you practice in public class, welcome being stuck in the middle. Any mirrors in view? They promote good karma and improve chi.

3. Look down not out: Okay, so maybe you spend more time looking at your mat or belly button than the door, but when you’re facing forward, keep the exit in your peripheral vision. “Not being able to see the door brings on stress, anxiety, and a weakened nervous system,” Alvarez says.

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