Defining space, defining colour

This week I feel that I have been progressing well with focus and relaxation within the classes; in addition to this I have started to notice subtle changes day to day.  I am finding that I am feeling more mindful outside of the studio and I am noticing how I look forward to each class, but also I also want to practice outside of the classes.  While travelling, I found it easier to practice yoga and meditation when I had the weather to be able to sit outside in the sun.  Since moving to St John’s I have found this to be more difficult because the occasion when it is comfortable enough to sit outside and be warm is a rare occurrence.  Maybe this is an excuse, I don’t know but I do know that I get strong feelings about a place and how I feel within that place; and at the moment,  if it doesn’t feel right, I cannot relax in that space to take the time for yoga. 

 Perhaps this has something to do with being able to define a space, in the studio I have found this to be the first inside place where I have really felt comfortable and each time I attend a class and walk into the studio, it gives off a nice feeling and is a space ready for my yoga.  This is great f because I do feel that I have a place where I belong to; having only been coming for a few weeks, it feels longer and everyone within the studio are so nice and welcoming that I like to be there.  

One thing that helps to give a personal space is with a yoga mat.  I have been borrowing the ones at the studio and I have found a strange affinity to the colour.  I tried the dark blue mat and didn’t like it, yet when I pulled out the lighted green mat it made me happy.  It made me think about colour and how it influences daily life and can affect our feelings and emotions.  I can walk into a place and instantly like or dislike it based upon the colours of the decor.  When we rented our apartment, I instantly had a dislike for our living room as someone had painted the walls dark brown, why would anyone want to do this I don’t know.  Once we had painted two of the walls white (we only had the paint for 2 walls!) it felt instantly lighter, bigger and better.  Colour is so important in daily life, and in business.  For example, if you want to make a certain impression, wear colours that give off the impression you want to create.  If you walk into a place and get a feeling that you don’t like it, perhaps the colour is wrong?   Either way, a defined space to practice yoga is important, my own personal relaxation spot, and I think that perhaps there are these places everywhere and all around me, I had just forgotten how to look.