Beyond the mat: Supportive practices for yogis
Yoga means union and as a whole it goes far beyond the physical practices and postures we see in the media and in our classes.
Yoga is also about the way we show up in our days, with our loved ones and how we treat ourselves and others off the mat. Practitioners can use yoga (in all its forms) to unite with forces greater than themselves (i.e. divine love and the universal forces that move us all).
Many folks find it helpful to also incorporate the following practices into their day to support and enhance their yoga practice.
Lemon water first thing
If you’re anything like me, it can sometimes be a struggle to wait the optimal 90 minutes after waking to have that glorious first cup of coffee in the morning (or whenever you wake up). What I try to do instead is to reach for my citrus press and make myself a nice cup of lemon water.
Drinking lemon water first thing can have numerous health benefits. Firstly, it helps to hydrate the body, which is essential for maintaining good health. Lemon water also aids in digestion and the vitamin C in it is known to boost the immune system, protecting the body from illness.
Your dental health can also be improved with the regular consumption of lemon water, as it can help freshen breath, reduce inflammation in the gums, and prevent tooth decay. However, it's important to note that lemon water (because of its high acidity) can damage tooth enamel over time. Drinking plain water afterward and incorporating lemon water into a balanced diet is the best way to maximize its health benefits.
Saucha is the yogic concept of cleanliness (it’s one of the Yama’s - or guidelines - for life) and drinking lemon water is a way to practice this observance.
Smoke cleansing
Many yogis use smoke cleansing as a practice to uplift themselves. There are a few things to consider with this practice though.
Cleansing with sage smoke, also known as smudging, has been used for thousands of years by various indigenous cultures across North and South America. The use of sage, in particular, can be traced back to the Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains region of North America.
The practice of smudging was traditionally used to clear negative energy and promote healing in individuals and spaces. Sage was believed to have powerful cleansing properties, and burning the dried leaves was thought to release these properties into the air because fire is seen as a transformative element.
In addition to sage, other plants such as sweetgrass, cedar, and tobacco were also used in smudging ceremonies. The specific plants used and the rituals surrounding smudging varied between different Indigenous Peoples and tribes.
Today, smudging has gained a lot of popularity outside of Indigenous communities, with many folks incorporating the practice into their spiritual, wellness and yoga routines. It's so important to remember however that this practice has deep cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous Peoples. You should approach this practice with respect and mindfulness at all times. When you purchase sage make sure that it is coming from a source that supports Native American and Indigenous welfare and consider using juniper bundles or other herbs instead to avoid appropriation.
To cleanse yourself with holy smoke, light one end of your chosen (carefully selected) bundle and wait for it to begin to smoke. In a heatproof bowl or shell hold the bundle safely and wave it around your “field”. Cleanse yourself from your crown to your roots and practice being fully present with the sensations and smells as you do so. Once you feel complete, fully extinguish the bundle safely and thank Mother Earth for the herbs you have just used.
Daily Journaling
One of the other components of yoga besides asana (or the physical postures) is Svadhyaya which refers to inward focus and is one of the Niyamas (one of the other 8 limbs of yoga besides asana).
Journaling is a great way to focus inward and meet yourself exactly where you are no matter what’s going on.
Developing a regular journaling practice can have numerous benefits for your personal growth, mental health and overall well-being. Journaling allows you to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to enhanced self-awareness.
Through writing about your experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your actions, helping you to identify patterns in your thinking and behavior. Regular journaling can provide stress relief by allowing you to process difficult emotions and thoughts on the page. Additionally, it can improve your memory and creativity, as it allows you to reflect on what you've learned and generate new ideas.
Journaling can also help you to set and track your goals (perhaps over the lunar cycles), keeping you motivated and focused. It can also lead to increased mindfulness, helping you become more present and aware of the world around you. Becoming more present and aware of yourself and others is one of the natural benefits of regular yoga practice. Journaling can also improve your problem-solving skills by helping you identify potential solutions and make better decisions.
Overall, incorporating regular journaling into your routine can be a powerful tool for inward focus, personal growth and development. There is not one right way to create a journaling practice. Start with “brain dumping” onto the page and see how it goes from there. You can also start by making a daily list of 5 specific things you’re grateful for from the day. Gratitude is a powerful practice itself and will help you to come back to the important things in your life.
Try out these practices in addition to your asana practice and see how they work for you.
The idea is that incorporating these supportive practices will enhance your self care and spiritual journey off of your yoga mat.
Sat Nam!
Photo credit: Cat Crawford
