Why practice yoga barefoot?

Practicing yoga barefoot makes your feet stronger and more mobile, but this is only part of the answer.  Awareness and alignment are often the overlooked answers as to why yogis practice with naked feet.    

Yoga requires you to bring awareness to your feet in practically every pose.  The foundation of many asanas (yoga poses) start with the feet so a barefoot practice will make it easier to notice how the soles of the feet feel, from heels to toes, as they spread into the mat.  For instance, in Tadasana notice if you spread your weight evenly into your feet or do you put more weight on the inner vs. outer edges.  In balancing poses, notice how rooting all corners of the feet into the mat gives you more stability and greater connection to the ground below.  With shoes and socks on, awareness of the feet is almost non-existent.  Additionally, confined feet make it very challenging to flow smoothly from one pose to the next. 

Healthy alignment is key to a healthy pose.  Practicing barefoot you’ll become not only more aware of your feet but a better judge of your alignment in asanas.  You’ll have a better feel and view of your feet in relation to your knees, hips, etc.   Remember, everything starts with the feet.  If you’ve ever visited an orthopaedist for knee pain, the first thing he does is take a look at your shoes.  The feet can tell a story…how a person moves, stands, etc.  Healthy feet are central to healthy alignment.    

Think of yoga as a vacation for your feet.  Let them be free.  Your body will thank you.     

It’s Thanksgiving!

Though Thanksgiving is officially today, learn to say “thank you” every day through both words and deeds.  Practicing yoga for just a few minutes a day is a simple way to say “thank you” to yourself.  Even if you simply take child’s pose for 10 minutes and breath,  taking the time for YOU is a ”thank you”.  

Off the mat, look for the little ways to “give” thanks.  The search shouldn’t be hard.  Smiling at a stranger in the grocery store or letting a car in front of you on the beltway are both easy ways to give thanks.  Helping a neighbor with an errand or taking care of someone’s dog for a night are easy ways to give and express gratitude. 

Keep your eyes and mind open and enjoy giving and receiving throughout the year.  It’s the little things in life that that mean a lot.  Happy Thanksgiving!   

How should I clean my yoga mat?

Such a simple, yet important question to address.  Having a clean yoga mat is essential to following the first niyama, saucha.  Saucha means cleanliness or purity.  In considering saucha and your yoga mat, use a sponge and a little mild detergent/soap (note, a “little”), hand wash with warm water.  Again, use only a small amount of soap because any residue may cause your mat to become slippery when it is wet with perspiration.  Some mats are machine washable but overtime they will wear down from the wash cycle.  It’s best to handwash your mat regularly.  Always hang/air dry which usually requires at least 12 hours (overnight) and do not fold or use your mat until it is completely dry.  Happy cleaning! 

I’ve been practicing yoga for a couple years and have never used blocks or straps. Should I?

Since asanas (yoga poses) are not “one-size fits all”, props enable yogis to find ease and true alignment in poses without overstraining the body.  Even for poses you can move into without props, you’ll find using them will give your body a different “feel”/sensation.  A great resource for checking out and buying props is www.huggermugger.com

To answer your question, yes experiment using props.  See how poses you normally move into without props feel differently with props.   Your yoga practice should be approached with an open mind so be willing to explore with and without props.  Be playful, and always have fun.  Namaste. 

I’m interested in trying yoga but I’m overwhelmed by all the different types of classes and studios. I don’t know where to start. Help?

There are as many yoga styles, classes and teachers as there are yoga poses and breathing techniques.  To start, rent videos from Netflix or your local video store to get a flavor of what a yoga class will be like and get a sense of some of the different yoga styles.  Additionally, start sampling your local studios.  Take different classes there as well as try different teachers.  Ask questions after each class to get a better understanding of the style of class you just took.

As you explore yoga, be open to experimenting.  As always, trust your instincts.  Your body and mind will tell you what style is healthy for you.

This is the official blog site for www.abellayoga.com.  I offer private yoga instruction throughout the Arlington/Alexandria/Washington DC area.  Personally, I have a home yoga practice as well as attend classes regularly at Down Dog Yoga in Georgetown. 

I welcome your questions about yoga, comments or any yoga related info from around the world.  Please share.  

Can anyone do yoga?

One of the many beauties of yoga is that it is accessible for anyone regardless of age, fitness level or experience.  Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for 10 years, yoga is all encompassing; anyone can do it.  All you need is your breath and the willingness to try.