The new Yoga Mat

I've written about my Yoga mat here.

Since then, the circumstances have changed and it has been time to replace my 17-year-old mat.

However, when buying a new yoga mat, it was also an aspect to be made of more natural material, and I was very pleased when other to see the problem too:

- the polifoam carpets are made of plastic, filled with air by blowing, do not decompose, and are also harmful to the planet and its inhabitants, both in their production and in their use and disposal.

Again, they were looking for yoga mat testing where this very thorough Article was written that takes environmental aspects into account in detail.

I find it very good to make my own carpet made of natural and residual materials, but since I keep yoga outdoors, my favorite is the cork carpet, which has natural rubber on the back. I chose a thicker type (8mm) because I could keep my headstand longer if the surface wasn't that hard. There is a disadvantage: a bit difficult, but I'd rather say it is not as light as polifoam mattresses.

... and, behold, my cork-natural rubber yoga mat:

Finally, I would like to point out that the goal is not to get everyone out of the plastic mat quickly, because it does not good for our planet in the same way, but if someone is looking for a yoga mat, it is worth taking these aspects and I heartily recommend  the cork-natural rubber carpet to do yoga.

Sivananda's Pranayama

The simply perfect breathing exercise: 

"Technique: Sit comfortably on a chair, sofa or easy-chair. Draw the air through both nostrils, as long as comfortable. Retain as long as comfortable. Repeat your Ishta Mantra or 'OM' while retaining the breath. Then exhale as long as comfortable. You need not observe any ratio between the inhalation, exhalation and retention; but let the inhalation and exhalation be deep and full.

Benefit: The benefits of this Pranayama are incalculable. All the muscles are relaxed. All the nerves are toned. Rhythm and harmony are established in the entire being. Mind is calmed. Circulation is promoted. An inexpressible peace and bliss come to reign within you.

You can do it in the morning while lying in bed. Your mind will become alert for commencing Japa and Dhyana. You can do it when the mind is about to lose balance on account of the setting in of lust, anger or other evil Vrittis; the mind will be filled with a great power that will prevent the evil Vrittis from disturbing it. You can do it just before commencing your study; the mind will be concentrated easily and what you study will be indelibly impressed in your mind. You can do it during your office-work; you will get new strength every time and you will never be tired. When you return home from the office you can practise this Pranayama and you will be recharged with fresh energy.

The greatest advantage is that once you start doing it you will do it very often; and your mind can never find an excuse for not practising this Ati-Sukha-Purvaka Pranayama, very easy and comfortable Pranayama which has all the advantages of Pranayama, without its 'rules and regulations'. Do it from now without fail."

Source: The Divine Life Society/ Sivanandaonline.org