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  • Home
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    • My Yoga Journey
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Living your yoga. Are you practicing yoga, or asana?

June 9, 2017 //  by Di Hickman//  51 Comments

As a yoga teacher I try to live my yoga, but it’s not easy. What does living your yoga mean? Following the 8-limb yoga path. When people talk of “doing yoga”, what they usually mean the physical practice of asana. Practicing yoga isn’t about headstands, backbends or bending like Gumby. Asana as a physical practice is just one part of yoga as a whole. Any spiritual practice has rules and the first rule of yoga is that you don’t talk about yoga. Wait, no, that fight club sorry. The first ‘rule’ of yoga is Ahimsa, non-violence. Sounds easy right? Afterall most of us don’t go around hitting people. Ahimsa however means nonviolence physically, verbally and mentally. Not just towards others but also yourself. Now it’s maybe not sounding so easy. How many times have you said violent words in the heat of the moment? Or flipped someone off? Or thought negative things about others or yourself?

This post is sponsored by Mambo Sprouts and prAna.

practicing yoga prAna

 

Practicing yoga – Ahimsa

For me, practicing yoga means adhering to Ahimsa. This is one reason I am vegan. I choose not to eat or wear animals as it causes them harm. Plus it’s healthier for me, and better for the planet. If you are concerned about Mother Earth and the people and animals that inhabit it, then eating a more plant-based diet is the single biggest way to reduce your impact on the environment. Another way I practice yoga is using skincare and beauty products that are vegan, and cruelty free. Again no animal products or testing. Plus I try to buy organic, fair trade and sustainable when possible.

practicing yoga prAna

Supporting sustainable companies

More than ever, people just like you and me are seeking ways to spread positivity in our World. One way to do that is to make sure every purchase you make and every gift you give has a positive impact on our planet. One company that has this impact is prAna. prAna offers organic, hemp, sustainable, and fair trade items so that we can feel great about the things we wear. Hemp is such a wonderful, sustainable and eco-friendly product I really wish more companies would use it. prAna sent me the Rai Swim Tights (cosmo pink riviera) and the Mika Strappy top (summer peach). They also gave me a discount code to share in case my community was interested in purchasing some items from prAna, use the code MSS17WD for 15% off your order (valid through 7/13/2017).

practicing yoga prAna

The first thing I noticed on opening the package was that the clothing was super soft. Everything fit perfectly, so their sizing chart is spot on. Not only was the clothing soft to touch but so comfortable to wear. Practicing yoga was a breeze as I was able to move freely in the tights, and the top gave me support with the built in bra.

prAna Rai Swim Tights

prAna designs clothing that looks good but is versatile enough for any lifestyle and any adventure. It’s reportedly common for prAna fans to wear their gear to work and to go for a hike. I have worn my prAna clothing grocery shopping, walking my dog, and to yoga class. Plus the tights I chose are swim tights and perfect for an impromptu paddle in the ocean or pool should I feel like it. If I did want to swim or run in the tights they had a pocket at the back for keys, or cards. The most important thing about the tights is they passed the booty test. Not sure if you do this with yoga pants, but I always squat to see if they are see through on the booty when stretched. I did poses like downward facing dog, forward fold, and padottanasana and I wasn’t able to see my undies peeking through.

practicing yoga prAna

practicing yoga prAna

prAna Mika Top

The top was the most comfortable thing I ever wore. Simply put I am buying more of these. Soft, supportive, and chic. The spaghetti straps have a fun criss cross design on the back. Plus the scoop/open back. I’ve been working out in the gym and this top means I get to show off my toned muscles and I’m helping the planet at the same time.  The top was lightweight and semi sheer which means it’s perfect for practicing yoga outdoors.

practicing yoga prAna

practicing yoga prAna

 

While prAna clothing is made to accommodate any adventure, the items are first and foremost mindfully made in order to support fair trade and sustainable practices. prAna actually has only one core belief, which is deeply ingrained in practicing yoga, and that is to give back more than we take from the world. Not only that, but prAna prioritizes giving back to communities all over the world. Again if you are interested in purchasing some items from prAna use the code MSS17WD for 15% off your order (valid through 7/13/2017).

practicing yoga prAna

Practicing Yoga outdoors

I’ve been feeling a little spoiled lately as we have a new park opened up near us and as the surrounding houses are new it’s not being used that much. This means it’s a little piece of quiet heaven right now. Plus it’s set at the top of the valley and the views are beautiful. It’s a great place for practicing yoga, whether through asana practice or to just sit quietly and meditate. If you haven’t done a yoga practice outdoors I definitely recommend it. Get out of the studio, and into nature. Feel the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair and be with the breath.

practicing yoga prAna:

Questions

Do you have a yoga practice?

Are you concerned about your impact on the environment?

What ways are you currently practicing Ahimsa?

Previous Post: « Eating Vegan at Disneyland
Next Post: Vegan Cuts beauty box subscription – two years on vegan cuts may 2017 unboxing»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. linda

    August 20, 2018 at 9:06 am

    Di sent you email about yoga mat

    Reply
  2. Tiffany Haywood

    June 17, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    This is so enlightening! I had no idea there was a difference between yoga and sana . .

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      Most people don’t Tiffany

      Reply
  3. Rachel

    June 14, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    I love your stance on animal rights and you still have great clothing. I need to give yoga a try.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      Right! There are no reasons to use animals for clothing now, we aren’t living in caves anymore!

      Reply
  4. Chelsea Damon

    June 14, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    I love your outfit! I need really stretchy leggings when I go to the gym for when I do squats. Sometimes I think they’re going to rip!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:02 pm

      hahaha I get that same feeling! These gave good coverage!

      Reply
  5. Brittany

    June 14, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    I used to be so consistent doing yoga and then life got in the way. Things got so busy and it just feels stressful. I felt so much better when starting my day with yoga.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:02 pm

      It’s crazy how we fight doing the things that make us feel better!

      Reply
  6. Cassie Tucker

    June 14, 2017 at 11:07 am

    I really want to get back into yoga. I used to do a yoga class back when I had a membership to the Y and I miss it so much.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:02 pm

      Maybe try a DVD, or there are yoga videos on youtube

      Reply
  7. Charotte

    June 14, 2017 at 9:16 am

    I didn’t realise there was more to yoga than the actual physical exercise and it’s a really interesting lifestyle choice! I love buying from sustainable companies too.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:01 pm

      Yep yoga is so much more than the poses!

      Reply
  8. Sona Sethi

    June 14, 2017 at 7:17 am

    I am a big yoga fan and practice it every day. Glad to know you are seeing the value too.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:01 pm

      Love it. Becoming a teacher was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done

      Reply
  9. HilLesha

    June 14, 2017 at 5:01 am

    I try to practice ahimsa much as possible. One of my favorite ways of doing this supporting brands like prAna.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:01 pm

      I try, but sometimes thoughts are out of my head and on my tongue before I can even blink!

      Reply
  10. Rachel

    June 14, 2017 at 1:42 am

    I am always seeing people doing Yoga, and always think to myself I wonder I f I could do that. Its something I would love to try out x

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:00 pm

      Try it, you might like it!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer

    June 13, 2017 at 7:03 pm

    I am always amazed with the people that can do yoga. My body just does not go in those positions!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:00 pm

      It doesn’t have to. Yoga is for every-body

      Reply
  12. Amber Nelson

    June 13, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    I do not do much of either, however, I would love to be more active with yoga. It is such a relaxing activity!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 3:00 pm

      It really can be!

      Reply
  13. Rhian Westbury

    June 13, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    Your yoga outfit looks really comfortable and perfect for yoga. I need to get back into going as I found it so relaxing when I did x

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:59 pm

      Yes it helps chill me out too!

      Reply
  14. Melissa Chapman

    June 13, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    I am not a yoga practicer but your post is really inspiring me to try it out and I absolutely love the clothing you are modeling-the color are beautiful and it sounds like it is the perfect gear for getting one’s YOGA on!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:59 pm

      The Prana clothing is so comfortable. Love that the pants are swim friendly too!

      Reply
  15. Ana De-Jesus

    June 13, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    I use cruelty free products and while I am not a vegan I am a vegetarian . I really like the idea of practicing asana and learning about our impact on the environment x

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:59 pm

      Practicing yoga and diving into the true meaning of the yogi path really makes you realize it all comes back to Ahimsa. No violence. All your actions, words and thoughts have a consequence

      Reply
  16. Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive

    June 13, 2017 at 8:14 am

    I keep telling myself I want to get back into yoga! Thank you for sharing…you have inspired me to give it a try again!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:57 pm

      Hope you do, it’s amazing

      Reply
  17. Cindy Ingalls

    June 13, 2017 at 6:52 am

    I’ve only recently become more aware of the impact making clothing has on the environment. Up until now I was only truly conscious of buying more natural home and beauty products. I going to try and more effort to by sustainable clothes as I want to help the environment and the workers who make the clothes.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:57 pm

      I was the same. Honestly I got rid of 60% of my closet items in January and as I buy new things I try to buy sustainable clothing only

      Reply
  18. Cecilia C. Cannon

    June 13, 2017 at 2:52 am

    I need to find the time in my life to do yoga. I haven’t in years and it looks so motivating to give it a go again.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      We all need to make that time. Start with 2 minutes of meditation a day

      Reply
  19. Danielle

    June 12, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    I love that Prana Mika top. I’ll take one in every color! As far as practicing the Ahimsa part of yoga, that sounds tough. I do my best to stay positive and speak positively, but everyone has moment so weakness. I suppose if you’re conscious of it, though, it might be a little easier to undertake.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      Hahaha I love the Mika top too! So comfy! Definitely being conscious of your thoughts and words is much harder than physical actions

      Reply
  20. Jessica Joachim

    June 12, 2017 at 5:43 pm

    I really love those clothes! I never really thought about yoga the way you explained it, but it makes sense. I like to buy as organic and sustainable as possible as well.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:55 pm

      Me too, sustainable is becoming more important as we trash mother earth

      Reply
  21. Kristina

    June 12, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    I have tried Yoga a few times and I really need to get back into it. This is great and motivates me to do so.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:55 pm

      Remember yoga is a lifestyle, you can practice anywhere. Meditation is yoga

      Reply
  22. Karen Morse

    June 12, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    This is an eye opener. I’ve never thought about why people would practice yoga. I just thought it would be a great exercise. As you’ve explained, it’s a lifestyle and that’s what makes it even more beautiful.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:55 pm

      Yes it can be, the physical is the practice of asana

      Reply
  23. Cassie

    June 12, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    I have never tried yoga but I definitely need to! This outfits look great for working out in and you had me at sustainable companies!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 21, 2017 at 2:54 pm

      Yes sustainable companies are the best!

      Reply
  24. Janel

    June 12, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Believe it or not I have injured myself several times trying to do different yoga poses. I’m so embarrassed to admit that in public .

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 12, 2017 at 2:18 pm

      Actually it’s pretty easy to injure yourself. Especially trying to emulate poses you see online that aren’t really correct anatomically. In our studio we practice yoga poses suitable for YOUR body, not a one size fits all approach

      Reply
  25. Ashley

    June 12, 2017 at 9:18 am

    Yoga is such an awesome way to take care of your body. I love how relaxing it is! And I also love your yoga attire.

    Much love,
    Ashley

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 12, 2017 at 2:17 pm

      It is a great way for self care!

      Reply
  26. robin rue

    June 12, 2017 at 8:39 am

    I have actually never done yoga before. I have a few friends who swear by it, so I definitely have to make it a point to try it.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      June 12, 2017 at 2:17 pm

      You should. Meditation is yoga, sitting quietly is underated!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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