Roll out the Mat

I was online researching travel yoga mats the other day.  I found the ones that fold up so they fit in your suitcase. I tried it with my old, flimsy, lightweight mat that I purchased before I understood how awesome a durable yoga mat can be.  It worked!  It was flimsy enough to be folded and yet was firm enough that the folded mat will be my meditation cushion.  For travel, this lightweight mat will be the best.  Folded, it fit inside a random tote I had laying around.  BAM.  No travel yoga mat purchase necessary.  Off to Ireland I go with my yoga mat and meditation cushion neatly tucked inside my travel bag.  I love it when I can be creative with what I already have.  


What I noticed was my conditioned response when I unfolded the yoga mat.  I could not resist stepping on in and moving my body.  I firmly believe that my relaxation response is conditioned as well.  Anytime I am holding, rolling, unrolling, and sitting on my yoga mat, I think I unwind a little in one form or another.


Try it during our yoga break.  Just do nothing more than commit to unrolling your yoga mat and see if you don't automatically step, sit or lie on it and start to move your body. Or even connect with the breath.  It can be that simple.  Creating a few moments each day to give yourself the gift of yoga can be transforming.  Thanks for sharing part of your summer with me, using simple yoga principles to find a better way to be in this world.  In gratitude, Julie