Smoking Sicilian Drishti – Drishti is a point of focus where the gaze rests during a posture and meditation practice – gazing outward while bringing awareness inward.

This week I returned from a long end of summer vacation to Sicily, which we didn’t really have time for, but did anyway. We met wonderful family members who rented a villa in Sicily overlooking Mt. Etna – one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It was an offer we couldn’t refuse.

The trip was a great cap to a great summer. Now back in Seattle it feels like fall. And so I want to reflect on how yoga has played a role in this wonderful, amazing summer.

I went to a free outdoor yoga class nearby Barefoot Yoga HQ on the summer Solstice – and after it, dedicated myself to regular yoga (6 days per week for at least a half hour). I stuck to this, with the exemption of 2 weeks I practiced 5 days, though I did uphold the hours those weeks (3 hours per week – wow – that sounds like so little when I put it this way!). And this lasted up until the 2^nd day of week 9, when this long – airport, gelato, pizza, and pasta filled Sicilian odyssey began.

And so, I missed a few days in week 9, and a few more in week 10. But I will say, I did yoga half of my days there – usually for closer to 1 hour than a half, and it had a powerful influence on my experience in Sicily. It definitely helped drive me to – elation! (More on this next blog).

I’m back on track here in week 11, and yoga is definitely a regular part of my life in a way that surpasses anytime since I practiced Astanga Yoga in Mysore India under the tutelage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharat for 2 and a half months in 1996.

I recognize that I am essentially chipping away at inflexibility that has set in over a lifetime of intense athletic endeavor – be it running marathons, bicycling (across country and around towns), skating, playing tennis, skiing, and more – with fairly minimal stretching. And I’m chipping away at mental inflexibility (and over-flexibility) that set in over all these years. I definitely feel positive results from these months of consistent yoga. But, in some ways “results” seems like a misnomer – because I clearly have such a long way to go.

I am stronger, more flexible, and slightly calmer. I have managed to stay very active, while keeping pain at bay – which is an accomplishment in itself considering the stenosis in my spine, along with some other old injuries from all those sports over the years.

At other times in my life, if I’d said – I have a long way to go – it may have felt discouraging or overwhelming. Yet now it sounds very much the opposite. In a profound way I realize my personal need for further, deeper immersion in this practice. It is vital to my aging, well-worn body. It eases the reactions from my often bombarded adult mind. This drives me to practice.

I’m grateful to all the yoga teachers I’ve had, who have helped me reach this point where yoga practice is available to me anytime and anywhere. And I look forward to getting myself back into classes, because there are amazing yoga teachers everywhere I turn in this town who will literally keep me in line. After almost 3 months of regular yoga, I feel like finally, I’m hooked – that my personal yoga practice is like a beacon that will brighten my future in ways I know now, and others that will be revealed. This light can no longer be ignored.

Posted under Barefoot Yoga News, Health and Fitness, Meditation, Styles of Yoga

Feeling a bit sluggish in the morning? Got a case of late afternoon sleepiness?

Whether you’re trying to jump start your morning or give yourself a non-caffeine jolt in the afternoon, try out the poses below for a healthy, centering, and reinvigorating boost to your day!

1. Camel Pose

This is a great pose to open up the chest and abdomen, as well as stretch out the neck. It can take a bit of flexibility, so if you find yourself having trouble or straining to touch your ankles, try putting a block on the outside of each of your ankles to make it a bit easier and allow yourself to fully experience the pose.

2. Upward Dog Pose

Please note: Photo above not an accurate depiction of this pose. Chosen solely because of extreme cuteness.

This is an amazing pose for an awesome back and arm stretch that will leave you feeling opened up and refreshed. It’s an involved stretch that will help to improve not only your energy, but can also help to relieve sciatica! Try it on a mat or blanket for optimum leg and body comfort.

3. Bridge Pose

This allows for a neck stretch that’s super satisfying and can help perk you up! It’s also a versatile pose that offers different levels of stretch and difficulty, making it an accessible pose for yogis of all skill levels. For a modified version, try it with a block under the base of your back and your arms on either side.

4. Knee-to-Chest Pose

This pose is ideal for stretching out the lower back and thighs, and can aide in a feeling of increased energy flow throughout the lower part of the body. This pose is easily modified, so don’t feel you have to overdo it by bringing your legs all the way up to your chest!

5. Mountain Pose

Although it may not seem like it at first glance, mountain pose is a great way to bring yourself into the present moment for a feeling of rejuvenation and increased energy. Feel the ground beneath your feet, and the firmness of your muscles. Let yourself breathe easily in this pose.

Find all the props you need for these (and all other!) poses today – only at Barefootyoga.com.

Posted under Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Health and Fitness, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Mats, Yoga Supplies

Say hello to the newest member of Barefoot Yoga’s clothing family: Liquido Active!

Available in a range of eye catching, stunning, and quite frankly, irresistible, patterns, we’ve found ourselves falling head-over-heels for these bright new prints!

Their moisture-wicking, silky smooth (yet sturdy) fabric is perfect for any workout you can imagine – from stand-up paddle board yoga to a quick jog – while the fun prints make them ideal for everything from errand running to evening yoga class wear.

Take a look at the beautiful prints just-in below, along with our favorite BFY props to pair them with!

• Dragonfly Pattern

The striking Dragonfly pattern evokes a nature inspired design that looks stunning with the new Emerald green color of our 1/6” Hybrid Mat and a beautiful charcoal grey Silk Eye Pillow! Try throwing these on for a relaxing Saturday morning practice for the perfect start to your weekend.

• Holi Pattern

This pattern is like a jolt of caffeine (and we mean that in a good way)!

Try pairing the Holi print leggings with our bright pink Mandala Embroidered Zafu and a vibrant purple Practice Strap on a day when you’re feeling loud and confident for a look that’s bright and beautiful!

We especially love the color palette above for a glowga class or going out to a weekend yoga festival.

• India Pattern

Earthy and rich are the words that come to mind with the super cute India pattern leggings – particularly when paired with this plum colored Cotton Jacquard Mat Bag and a set of beautiful Indian Rosewood Blocks.

This pattern is very versatile and easy to wear for any occasion – whether you’re going from the gym out to lunch, or just lounging at home!

• Ride the Wave

This abstract, soft pattern evokes a unique and almost ethereal feel. These are perfect for an outdoor class spent doing poses on your favorite practice rug, or worn during a morning hike.

For all of your fall fashion and yoga prop needs, come visit us today at barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Barefoot Yoga News, Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Health and Fitness, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Clothing, Yoga Gift Ideas, Yoga Mats, Yoga News, Yoga Supplies