Grace’s yoga product pick of the week is the Hematite Mala: “What is a mala (Sanskrit for garland)? It is a set of beads, traditionally 109 of them, used to focus awareness while meditating. In some types of meditation, it is used to keep count of a mantra. My pick of the week is the hematite mala. Hematite is said to relieve anxiety, aches and pain, improve blood flow and strengthen the immune system. It is associated with the root chakra.”

Check out our Malas, Yoga Inspired Jewelry, and other Yoga Accessories at www.barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Styles of Yoga, Yoga Gift Ideas, Yoga Supplies

We are spring cleaning at Barefoot Yoga! It calls to mind the first niyama, saucha. In its most simplistic translation, it means ‘purity’ or ‘cleanliness’. Some would say it means living a healthy lifestyle and engaging in activities that are purifying. There are many practical applications of saucha, such as de-cluttering your home, using kind words or having positive thoughts. We should also look to our SELF and ask if there is something we should let go – an attitude, a habit or an emotion.

Posted under Barefoot Yoga News, Styles of Yoga

I have suffered from TMJ (Temporomandubular Joint) disorder since I was a teenager. My grandmother strongly believes in ox-tail soup as a remedy. But what I have found that really helps is yoga, first in relieving stress so I don’t grind my teeth that often. When I do feel the tension, the Lion pose helps alleviate the pain. This has alleviated the pain in my jaw and headache that comes with teeth-grinding. Also, it saves an ox.

Visit YogaJournal.com for step-by-step directions on the Lion Pose, or Simhasana.

- posted by Grace at Barefoot Yoga

Posted under Styles of Yoga

A longtime customer of Barefoot Yoga is Bikram Yoga of Seattle. The owners Kevin and Kathy both have a long history of practicing and teaching Bikram Yoga. With their main studio in the heart of Fremont neighborhood, they provide heated Hatha yoga classes to students at a variety of levels from beginners and advanced. They provide towel rentals, showers, and free filtered water.

For their classes, they recommend:

Posted under Styles of Yoga, Yoga Studios, Yoga Supplies

What are the Best Products for Iyengar Yoga?

Do you practice Iyengar Yoga or thinking about trying it out?

Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga which traditionally focuses on alignment and precision. Iyengar emphasizes “sequencing” – referring to the order and timing of a sequence of asanas and breathing exercises.

Many props are used for Iyengar including blocks, straps, and blankets. Wear form- fitting, yet comfortable clothing.

“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”
~BKS Iyengar

Here’s what we recommend for Iyengar:

HYBRID NATURE MATS Use any basic mat for Iyengar, like our Hybrid Eco Mat.	YOGA PRACTICE STRAPS 100% cotton straps give that extra reach and secure hold.	YOGA BLOCKS Mr. Iyengar invented the yoga block to work as an extension of the floor to achieve precise alignment.

OMGIRL IYENGAR CAPRI Form-fitting clothing and stretchy clothing is best for Iyengar Yoga.	prAna MEN’S JD SHORTS Performance fit, Elastic waist, Stretchy fit. Perfect shorts for Iyengar Yoga.	MEXICAN YOGA BLANKETS The most versatile prop for Iyengar – a recycled blend of cotton and acrylics.

LIGHT ON LIFE By B.K.S. Iyengar Iyengar uses stories from his own life to illustrate the profound gifts that yoga offers.	THE TREE OF YOGA By B.K.S. Iyengar An invaluable source book for new students of yoga and seasoned practitioners.	YOGA THE IYENGAR WAY by Silva, Mira & Shyam Mehta The comprehensive, practical and authoritative guide to Iyengar Yoga.

Posted under Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Supplies

What are the Best Products for Ashtanga Yoga?

Do you practice Ashtanga or thinking about trying? It’s a vigorous practice that involves a set series of poses focused on realigning the spine, as well as building strength, flexibility, and stamina.

Traditional Ashtanga does not require many props, but it is a good idea to have a durable mat with open-cell construction to help absorb sweat, a rug to place over the mat, and light-weight, breathable clothing for easy movement and comfort.

“Take Practice and All is coming…”
~Sri Pattabhi Jois

Here’s what we recommend for Ashtanga:

NEW HYBRID MATS Pair any yoga mat with the Mysore Practice Rug and create the ideal surface for Ashtanga practice.	MYSORE PRACTICE RUGS The original Yoga Mat from India	PRANA HEADBANDS Keep your hair out of your eyes when doing jump backs with these awesome headbands.

OMGIRL PRACTICE BRA & SHORTS IN ORGANIC COTTON Ashtanga is a sweat producing practice, so dress lightly and bare skin!	PRANA MEN’S MOMENTUM SHORTS Stay comfortable, flexible and cool in these loose fitting, organic cotton shorts.	100% SILK EYE PILLOWS Take savasana after your practice with our soothing silk eye pillows.

Posted under Mysore Practice Rugs, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Supplies

Samantha’s Pick of the Week is the book Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H. David Coulter. She says, “This is a great resource that offers a unique scientific perspective on the relationship between Hatha yoga and physiology of the human body. The serious textbook-like nature of the book is lightened with some humor and readability, making it a great book for a variety of readers.”

Some similar products to consider are: Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff, The Anatomy Coloring Book, and Paul Grilley’s DVD Anatomy for Yoga.

Barefoot Yoga carries a wide variety of yoga books as well as music and instructional yoga videos to help with your practice. Check out our full selection at www.barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Styles of Yoga, Yoga Gift Ideas

“In honor of the warmth and brightness that is coming, and thanks to the awesome crew at Barefoot Yoga, I give you my latest giveaway.  To celebrate the desire to open our windows and bust our asanas on the green grass, in cahoots with Barefoot Yoga (a totally perfect name for a company, right?), I am giving away a Masala Mysore Practice Rug. These rugs absorb sweat and water, and actually work best when damp, to provide great traction and stretch to help hold a pose.  So April showers will not deter you from flowing in the flowers! They are great on their own or paired with a mat.”

The Masala rug features multi-colored stripes in beautiful earth tones, with Indian details woven throughout the rug.

We’ve partnered with Nancy at Flying Yogini to offer a giveaway of our colorful and authentic Masala yoga rug. The giveaway runs through March 31st at 6:00 a.m. EST, and the winner (selected at random) will be announced on the Flying Yogini website, as well as on their Facebook and Twitter.

Visit Flying Yogini for details about how to enter the contest, and check out www.barefootyoga.com to browse and buy our yoga practice rugs, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns!

Posted under Barefoot Yoga News, Mysore Practice Rugs, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Supplies