June 1, 2015

Yoga teacher Nasa Mitchell

Nasa Mitchell (500 RYT) is a Yoga Alliance registered instructor based in California. She is a talented and beloved teacher (and yes, this is straight from her students!)  who has also been a valued Barefoot Yoga customer for years.

BY: What originally brought you to Yoga?

NM: Heritage and Life;

Where I am from, Yoga is about spirituality, mantras and chants. Back then as a child and an adult, I had no idea it was yoga.

As a mother of two sons, living in noisy, fast and busy lifestyle for years, instinctively everything in and out of me telling me to Just Be and Connect With Myself which is yoga.

Practicing with some BFY signature blocks and straps!

BY: In your experience, how has Yoga affected your physical and mental being? How has Yoga changed your life?

NM: I am physically and mentally stronger by accepting where I am and who I am. Many of us suffer from perfectionism which does not exist. I am originally one of those people.

Through the practice of yoga I am okay with not being the perfect human being. I am kinder to my body when I am practicing asana practice, more forgiving to my judgmental thoughts and worries that do not feed me and people around me. I am back to “Stepping out of your comfort zone” is totally okay and it can be rewarding.

BY: Is there anything in Yoga (poses, styles) that you would like to explore but haven’t yet?

NM: Yoga study is never ending and there is always something new.

Lately I am more drawn into mantras and pranayamas which prepare us to meditation and healing.

BY: Do you have a favorite place to practice?

NM: As much as I love practicing yoga at our home where it is quiet and sacred, ([although] most of the time it is noisy and messy ) I enjoy practicing yoga off the mat and out of my home by just living in everyday life at a store, in my car, out at my kids’ activities, with my students in the studio.

I believe yoga is in everything and everywhere if we allow it to be.

Want to connect with Nasa? Find her on Facebook here.

Looking for some props of your own to get started? Visit us at Barefoot Yoga today to view our full range of straps, blocks, mats, and more!

May 29, 2015

With yoga’s focus on mindfulness, it’s no surprise that many yogis in the community wish to reach out and help others. One of our favorite yoga-focused charities is Street Yoga, a Seattle-based nonprofit which brings the healing and restorative benefits of yoga to marginalized youth.

Through Street Yoga, a number of generous yoga teachers volunteer their time and skills to teach yoga classes at shelters, schools and treatment centers that assist youth and their families. By teaching yoga, mindfulness and compassion, these teachers try to inspire their young students to grow, heal, and create meaningful and healthy lives.

Street Yoga holds an annual event called YogaLOVE, which brings together 200 Seattle yogis to enjoy an uplifting morning of yoga and raise funds for Street Yoga’s great work. The YogaLOVE festivities include a “half marathon” of 108 sun salutations led by 9 different instructors who represent a variety of styles. There are also raffles and prizes – which this year include a meditation gift basket from Barefoot Yoga! YogaLOVE 2015 is coming up on June 27, so if you’re in the Seattle area, don’t miss it!

May 22, 2015

OMgirl recently released their Summer collection of yoga clothing, and we’re loving what we see! Here are a few staff picks for must-have pieces for your summer yoga wardrobe.

Concept Bra

This top is seriously cute, but it’s also a high-performance bra that’s great for yoga class, jogging, or medium-impact workouts. The flattering neckline and super cool back cutouts make it our pick for best new activewear top from OMgirl.

Mindful Tank Lucky Bamboo

In a great new take on an old favorite, OMgirl has added this gorgeous bamboo pattern to their beloved Mindful Tank. These ultra soft, sheer tanks feel amazing to wear, and they make ideal layering pieces. Try wearing over a sports bra, or under a wrap.

Concept Legging

Match the Concept Bra with these great new leggings, featuring a comfy roll-down waist and eye-catching crisscross cutouts at the ankles. Made of a blend of cotton, poly, and curve-hugging lycra, they stretch with you as you move.

Practice Cardi

On those breezy summer nights, you’ll be in heaven with the new Practice Cardi. Not too heavy and not too light, it’s made of the same silky soft cotton/modal blend as the Mindful Tank. The cardi can be worn open and drapey, or tied at the waist for a more fitted look.

Check out www.barefootyoga.com for our full collection of fun and fashionable OMgirl Clothing!