Even the yoga class can have its challenges as you race through the traffic, find a park and jostle for a mat position. But yoga practice can be a valuable tool, not just to unload the pent-up stress of the day, or to zone out and forget the rest of the world exists, but as a “training ground” to learn how to create space, solitude and stillness in your daily life. Your yoga practice will become even more valuable to you as you start to notice your thoughts, emotions and reactions on the mat.

When do you become frustrated? When do you become judgemental of yourself or others? When do you become obsessed with perfectionism or despondent about failure? Finding space to watch your thoughts and emotions during yoga can be just as challenging as finding time to sit for a quiet moment to reflect on the day just completed. But it starts with a conscious choice – instead of huffing and puffing your way through a class, choose to become aware of your breath, creating space in your mind to feel and notice your emotional state. Instead of switching on the TV as soon as you get home from work, give yourself five minutes just to sit and be with yourself before subjecting your mind to more stimulation.

By consciously choosing to create your sacred space in yoga practice, you can create real and lasting transformation in the way you relate to your world. You can learn how to create more space for peace, stillness and relaxation even in the most busy life. As Lao Tsu wrote in the Tao Te Ching, “The greatest doing is being”.