My Story

I first encountered yoga as a freshman at Notre Dame, where PE was a required part of the curriculum, one of the many ways Notre Dame was unlike other universities. In the fall semester I took a six-week yoga section, meeting twice a week in a beautiful wood-floored studio that faced east. The instructor guided us through thirty minutes of practice followed by fifteen minutes of Shavasana, and inevitably at least one student would fall asleep and snore, which made everyone giggle. It was a wonderful way to begin the day.

After graduating I continued practicing at home, rolling out my mat first thing in the morning and following along with workout DVDs. That flexibility suited my life: no commute, no schedule, just the mat and the practice. I have maintained a home yoga practice ever since, which is now over a decade of showing up in my own space at my own pace.

My setup has evolved over the years. I now practice on two Lululemon mats side by side in my exercise space, accompanied by a salt rock lamp that provides a warm glow in the early morning darkness and a large mirror that helps me check my form. I use a strap for stretching, one yoga block, and an eye pillow for Shavasana.

What I love most about yoga is the ritual of setting an intention for the day and offering up your practice for someone who comes to mind. It centers me before the day begins. I have found that when I start the morning right, that steadiness tends to carry through everything that follows.

Where to Begin

1. DVDs

   1. Element: Hatha & Flow Yoga for Beginners

   2. Element: Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility

   3. Element: Yoga for Energy & Relaxation

   4. Element: AM & PM Yoga For Beginners

   5. Element: 5 Day Yoga

2. Local classes at dedicated yoga studios, gyms, and the YMCA.

My Clothing and Equipment

1. Yoga pants. Most are from Athleta, some are from Vuori, and a couple pairs are from Born Primitive. Most of my Athleta leggings are 5-10 years old and at the time they were very well made and have held up well. Vuori and Born Primitive looser fitting joggers are from the last few years.

2. Yoga tops. The majority are from Athleta and some are from Born Primitive. I usually wear a sports bra during warmer months.

3. Yoga Mat. I asked two yoga instructors which mat they would buy, and they both said this one. Zero slipping or stretching. I’m satisfied. I have two parallel lengthwise and while they spread apart, they accomplish the job of providing a larger mat area for exercises. The material of the Manduka extra large square mats was very slippery and a lot of the ratings weren’t great so this was my solution.

4. Strap. This is the only strap I’ve used and it has worked well for me.

5. Block. I’ve used this one for over a decade and it has held up well.

6. Eye Pillow. This one from my favorite lavender farm in New Mexico is so great I bought two, one for my exercise room, and one for bed.

7. Salt Lamp. I have one of these lamps in every room of my house so my days begin and end with warm red light instead of cold blue light which interferes with the circadian rhythm.

8. Yoga Pose Book. This book is great for learning the pose names.