I kicked off week 6 of my Yoga Revival with an outdoor yoga session. I have a slight nagging pull in my right upper hamstring from when I “came out of waterskiing retirement early in July.” I feel its presence when bending forward, and so I brought a tennis ball to my yoga mat to massage it along with all the muscles in that lower back and buttocks region. It is a meditative challenge to breathe through such deep massage, and I followed this with gentle hamstring stretches – laying on my back, using a strap while extending each individual leg straight up, then about 45 degrees to the side.

I was happy to feel extra flexibility when I began my standing asana practice. Along with the sound of birds and breeze in the trees, my warm up helped create a grounded feeling that only deepened through my whole 50 minute practice. I have used the tennis ball to knead out sore muscles in a couple of practices since Sunday, along with a brief warm-up using a strap – with similar positive results. I find keeping it brief is helpful, because when I get too comfortable, it becomes harder for me to get going on my sun salutations – which require fortitude, tenacity, and sweat.

Since getting back into a regular yoga practice at the beginning of the summer, I have spent more time doing the “in between” poses that sometimes have been neglected in my yoga practice. I do have some of that type A inclination to jump into things quickly – that fervor over Pattabhi Jois’s call to action – “99% practice, 1% theory.” But I find an extra breath with a lift here, and a pressing down there – is always beneficial. And so in between my first forward bend, and jumping or stepping back to “Chattarunga,” I am conscious to take a moment to lift my knee caps, press down with my heels, and lift my toes and my sternum, while looking up – before going into a deeper forward bend. Sometimes I go up and down like this 5 times before continuing.

And there’s no question – my asana practice is a good warm up for sitting meditation. I try to end all of my asana sessions with at least a 5 minute sitting meditation, followed by sivasana. So my well-used 15 year-old sari zafu was with me, and I ended my practice with a sitting meditation, followed by sivasana.

I’m still trying to work out my life schedule in a way where yoga fits in more naturally and automatically. These days I generally cram it into my very busy life with some difficulty. But even crammed in, I always feel better from yoga practice, and a little warm up goes a long way.

In this picture sits my 15 year-old sari zafu on top of my 1/8” hybrid eco-mat, which sits on top of my Jammu rug.

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

You’ve bought a brand new yoga mat, and now it’s time to retire the old and trusty mat that’s gotten you through years of practice. You probably don’t want to just toss your old yoga mat in the landfill, so what’s an eco-conscious yogi to do? Here are some suggestions from both Barefoot Yoga staff and customers on how to give your old mat a second life:

1. A quick-cleaning play mat

If your kids are working on messy projects with markers, clay or other things that might leave your table sticky and stained, try rolling out the yoga mat instead of newspaper. A closed cell mat will wipe down easily with household cleaner, and can be used over and over during play time!

2. A comfy surface for pets

If you’re taking your furry friend for a ride in the car, laying a yoga mat out over the car seat can save your upholstery. Mats also work well as cushioning inside crates and pet carriers, and many animal shelters will welcome donations of gently used yoga mats to line their kennels.

3. Protection under house plants

If you want the beauty of nature indoors without water and dirt on household surfaces, try cutting out circles of mat to sit underneath your plants. Many mats cut easily with a strong pair of scissors, and you can use a utility knife on thicker mats.

4. A cushion for outdoor fun

Your well-worn yoga mat can double as a camping mat underneath your sleeping bag. Say goodbye to rocks and sticks digging into your back and enjoy sleeping comfortably in the great outdoors! You can also cut a smaller square of mat to create a portable and lightweight cushion for picnicking in the park or sitting on the bleachers at little league games.

5. Perfect packing material

If you’re planning a big move and need durable packing material, forget the styrofoam peanuts and try wrapping pieces of yoga mat around your fragile items. This works especially well with thicker and spongier mats.

6. An easy floor saver

Line the bottom of your closet with a piece of yoga mat to protect the hardwood or carpet from muddy shoes. You can also put trimmed pieces of mat under trash cans, pet food bowls, or any number of areas where a spill or stain is likely.

If you’re ready to retire (and repurpose!) your yoga mat, and you’re looking for a durable and high-quality replacement, visit us at www.barefootyoga.com!

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

With all the awesome clothes and beautiful props we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by everyday, we couldn’t help but spend some time thinking of our perfect summertime look from top to bottom– whether it’s for going to class and just hanging out with friends!

The Look: On the Way to Class

If you’re heading out to class, you want to feel comfy, grounded and ready for any pose! (And, it doesn’t hurt to feel put together enough to stop by the grocery store on the way home, either!)

OMgirl Vitality Racer paired with the Alignment Bra and Hatha Capri

The Vitality Racer offers a relaxed and easy-to-wear racerback style, and we adore it paired with the simple yet eye catching design of the Alignment Bra. Add the supremely comfy Hatha Capri for a look that’s just breezy enough to keep you cool during hotter summer temperatures while providing enough coverage and flexibility for any class! (Going to a hot yoga class? Toss the tank into your mat bag and just go with the bra to keep extra cool!)

And, if you’re like us and find the ease of a yoga mat bag hard to beat, we love the look above paired with the bright, sunny colors of the Mysore Pattern Mat Bag.

Wondering what’s in our yoga mat bag on the way to class? Try an Original Eco Mat, strap, and eye pillow!

The Look: Day to Night

This is our current fav for a casual, comfortable look that works for grabbing a coffee and some local produce at the farmers market before having your closest pals over for a home cooked meal.

OMgirl Goddess Tank paired with the Asana Bra and Fresh Skirt in Paradise Palm

We couldn’t help but fall in love with the breezy, tropical feel of this patterned skirt, especially when combined with the flattering, form fitting look of the Goddess Tank. Try wearing it over the classic Asana Bra for optimal coverage and support (we found the tank a bit sheer to wear all on its own!).

Then, when it rolls around to dinnertime we love using the Mandala Embroidered Zafu for a comfortable and intimate way to dine with friends. This is especially convenient if you’re having a larger number of people over, or if you’re a city dweller whose coffee table doubles as a dining one!

Want to take a look online to put together your own favorite ensembles? Come visit us at barefootyoga.com! We’ve got you covered – no matter the sporty, cute, or casual style you’re looking for!

Posted under Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Food and Cooking, Health and Fitness, Meditation, Yoga Clothing, Yoga Gift Ideas, Yoga Mats, Yoga Supplies