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 – 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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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Questions
Do you have a yoga practice?
Are you concerned about your impact on the environment?
What ways are you currently practicing Ahimsa?
Eating Vegan at Disneyland
linda
Di sent you email about yoga mat
Tiffany Haywood
This is so enlightening! I had no idea there was a difference between yoga and sana . .
Di Hickman
Most people don’t Tiffany
Rachel
I love your stance on animal rights and you still have great clothing. I need to give yoga a try.
Di Hickman
Right! There are no reasons to use animals for clothing now, we aren’t living in caves anymore!
Chelsea Damon
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!
Di Hickman
hahaha I get that same feeling! These gave good coverage!
Brittany
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.
Di Hickman
It’s crazy how we fight doing the things that make us feel better!
Cassie Tucker
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.
Di Hickman
Maybe try a DVD, or there are yoga videos on youtube
Charotte
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.
Di Hickman
Yep yoga is so much more than the poses!
Sona Sethi
I am a big yoga fan and practice it every day. Glad to know you are seeing the value too.
Di Hickman
Love it. Becoming a teacher was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done
HilLesha
I try to practice ahimsa much as possible. One of my favorite ways of doing this supporting brands like prAna.
Di Hickman
I try, but sometimes thoughts are out of my head and on my tongue before I can even blink!
Rachel
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
Di Hickman
Try it, you might like it!
Jennifer
I am always amazed with the people that can do yoga. My body just does not go in those positions!
Di Hickman
It doesn’t have to. Yoga is for every-body
Amber Nelson
I do not do much of either, however, I would love to be more active with yoga. It is such a relaxing activity!
Di Hickman
It really can be!
Rhian Westbury
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
Di Hickman
Yes it helps chill me out too!
Melissa Chapman
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!
Di Hickman
The Prana clothing is so comfortable. Love that the pants are swim friendly too!
Ana De-Jesus
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
Di Hickman
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
Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive
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!
Di Hickman
Hope you do, it’s amazing
Cindy Ingalls
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.
Di Hickman
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
Cecilia C. Cannon
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.
Di Hickman
We all need to make that time. Start with 2 minutes of meditation a day
Danielle
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.
Di Hickman
Hahaha I love the Mika top too! So comfy! Definitely being conscious of your thoughts and words is much harder than physical actions
Jessica Joachim
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.
Di Hickman
Me too, sustainable is becoming more important as we trash mother earth
Kristina
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.
Di Hickman
Remember yoga is a lifestyle, you can practice anywhere. Meditation is yoga
Karen Morse
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.
Di Hickman
Yes it can be, the physical is the practice of asana
Cassie
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!
Di Hickman
Yes sustainable companies are the best!
Janel
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 .
Di Hickman
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
Ashley
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
Di Hickman
It is a great way for self care!
robin rue
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.
Di Hickman
You should. Meditation is yoga, sitting quietly is underated!