| Yoga is the union of the mind, body and spirit | | | | bound poses. The strap is held in the hands and |
| expressed in motion, sound, meditation and | | | | usually wrapped around the foot, essentially acting as |
| community. This ancient practice of asanas (poses), | | | | an arm extension. You can purchase straps at many |
| meditation and gentle ritual will enrich your life and | | | | yoga studios, online; or you can use a belt or a scarf. |
| deepen your knowledge of your Self, while opening | | | | Yoga Bolster - bolsters are cylindrical cushions about |
| your spirit toward the world around you. | | | | two feet long, usually filled with cotton. Bolsters are |
| We recommend that you attend several live classes | | | | used for forward bending poses, for many |
| before you begin developing a home practice. Yoga | | | | restorative yoga poses, and as modification for |
| studios will have all the equipment you require so you | | | | certain relaxation poses (e.g., tucked under the knees |
| can try it out before investing in a yoga mat, blocks, | | | | during savasana). You can purchase yoga bolsters |
| bolsters and straps. Live classes offer the | | | | online, many yoga studios will have bolsters available, |
| opportunity to learn proper breathing technique, | | | | and may be able to order them for you if there are |
| which is crucial in the practice of yoga; live classes | | | | no yoga supply retailers in your area. If you do not |
| also give you the opportunity to develop proper | | | | have a bolster, you may also use a stack of blankets. |
| posture and alignment, as the instructor will move | | | | Meditation Cushion - a zafu or meditation cushion is |
| about the class adjusting yogis/yoginis. Many studios | | | | not necessary but it is a nice item to have, sitting on |
| offer a one-week/one month trial at a discounted | | | | the edge of the zafu is ideal for proper pelvic |
| rate, taking advantage of these is a great way to | | | | alignment and ease of posture when meditating. If |
| introduce yourself to yoga. We also recommend | | | | you do not have a zafu, a firm cushion or pillow will |
| attending at least two live classes per month in | | | | work as well. |
| addition to your home practice . Again, live instruction | | | | It is always best to purchase good quality yoga |
| is ideal for learning proper alignment and also provides | | | | props and supplies, but you can improvise with |
| an opportunity to meet people in your local yoga | | | | household items while you are developing your home |
| community. | | | | practice. |
| Once you decide to develop your home practice you | | | | Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga is an entire |
| will need the following: | | | | system of self-care that addresses the mind, body |
| Yoga Mat - sticky yoga mats are best, you can also | | | | and spirit. There is no competition in yoga, especially |
| use a pilates mat if you prefer a thicker surface to | | | | with yourself; it is important to be aware that this is |
| stand on; some prefer to do yoga on a cotton | | | | YOUR practice and YOUR time, you need only be |
| blanket, it is entirely up to you. The important thing is | | | | present in the moment and the motion, surrender to |
| that your feet do not slip all over your yoga surface. | | | | the passage of time in this sacred space; accept |
| Yoga Blocks - these foam blocks are used to modify | | | | yourself, breathe in love and joy. Be aware of the |
| poses, essentially bringing the floor closer to your | | | | breath, if you cannot breathe deeply and smoothly, |
| hands to enable you to maintain proper alignment, | | | | ease your position in the pose - remember that there |
| which is much more important than how far you | | | | is no competition in this space, surrender to your |
| stretch. You may also sit on the edge of a block to | | | | body and breath. When you are preparing to move |
| properly align your pelvis during seated poses. Blocks | | | | into a pose, be aware of your body, take the shape |
| are recommended for beginners, but intermediate | | | | of the pose, delight in the forms your body takes, |
| and advanced practitioners also find them useful for | | | | and luxuriate in the feeling of natural movement. |
| very challenging poses and days when you aren't | | | | Modify the poses as you need to in order to maintain |
| quite as flexible. We recommend that you start with | | | | proper alignment and easy breath. Resist the urge to |
| two blocks. You can also use a stack of books about | | | | push further than the body wants to go, your body |
| 3 inches high in lieu of blocks. | | | | will move you deeper into the practice when it is |
| Yoga Strap - this is a thick cotton strap, similar to a | | | | ready. If you feel tired during your practice, sit back |
| Judo belt and is used to assist the yogi in challenging | | | | into childs pose and rest - do not rush, there is time. |
| postures; most often used for hip opening poses and | | | | There is no pain in yoga. Breathe. |
| seated forward bends. Straps are also used for | | | | |