“Mindfulness not only makes it possible to survey our internal landscape with compassion and curiosity but can also actively steer us in the right direction for self-care. - Bessel A. van der Kolk
yoga RESOURCES:
CHOOSING YOUR YOGA MAT:
There are lot of factors to consider when purchasing a yoga mat. This article offers lots to consider when getting ready to purchase your mat.
props:
Let's talk about props in yoga - while they're not a must-have, they can be such beautiful tools for our practice. Think of props as helpful friends that offer support, help us find steadiness, and even invite us to sink deeper into poses with more ease. Different classes call for different props - you'll find that in a restorative practice, we tend to cuddle up with lots of blankets and bolsters, while in a flowing vinyasa class, blocks and straps might be our go-to companions.
Here's something important I want to share: using props isn't about how "advanced" you are in your practice - it's about honoring what each pose is trying to teach us. Even the most experienced yogis will reach for a block to find that sweet spot of alignment, or grab a strap to create more space in areas that might be feeling a little tight that day. It's all about working with your body, not against it.
If buying props aren’t in your budget right now, no worries! Chairs, pillows, towels and walls can serve as props too.
If you would like to incorporate props, the links below can get you started:
BOOKS AND REFERENCES:
There are many great books that can help you build a home practice and learn about the principals of a yoga practice. Here are just a few that I love:
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews
Yoga for American’s - A Complete Six-weeks Course for Home Practice by Indra Devi