Do you define your yoga practice by your ergonomic, bio-degradable, alignment-marked, dolphin-friendly mat?

Back to Basics

Do you define your yoga practice by your ergonomic, bio-degradable, alignment-marked, dolphin-friendly mat? Buy expensive active-wear and clothing that defines your status as a yogi and all it currently embodies?

If you do, then think again.

What happened to the good ole’ days when we sat crossed legged under the Jacaranda tree and practiced asanas on the tarpaulin. Or ate organic food because it tasted better, and wore a pair of shorts that were loose, and comfortable.

The many articles and blogs that dedicate themselves to testing new and remarkable yoga products is satirical. Yoga is ancient, and intended to be a fixture of daily life.  Like breathing, it should be ingrained subconsciously; in the way we interact with others, the way we prepare food or clean the house. Yoga should be in our relationships and our worship.

If you need a yoga mat, any will do.  If it is slippery, put it in the washing machine, if it is too thin add another.  Expensive yoga wear fuels an industry that exploits our need to belong and the whims of ego. Instead support local suppliers or community organisations.

Finally, I believe that the yoga community is a loving environment, but some find it intimidating.  Be empathetic and open. Be inclusive.  And that is yoga.