French Yoga Community

After reading Thich Nhat Hanh's wonderful book "Loving Mindfully", I chose to talk to you today about mindfulness meditation in romantic relationships.

It is now accepted that mindfulness helps reduce stress, better manage difficult emotions and promote inner peace.

But not only that. Mindfulness meditation, according to Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, is a formidable tool for romantic relationships.

Because like troubled water, it clears up if we let it rest, a calmer, clearer mind, the letting go of thoughts and emotions, allows us to go through the affects without being demoralized by them.

But how will mindfulness meditation improve harmony in our romantic relationship?

Mindfulness meditation allows us to calm the play of our thoughts about the uncertainty of the future, regrets of the past or imaginary scenarios that poison all relationships. Mindfulness allows us to reconnect with the source of love and joy that is within us.

As we practice mindfulness, we are less in need, less in a situation of emotional poverty, but rich in gestures, words and attention to offer to others.

Moreover, mindfulness forces us to be true to ourselves.

Mindfulness meditation reconnects us to our intuition, to our deep inspirations. Thanks to it we develop our emotional intelligence, our intuitive acuity and our ability to assert our needs.

Mindfulness gives us the ability to listen to ourselves and to listen to others.

With mindfulness meditation, we are no longer in emotional reaction. Mindfulness meditation allows us to no longer take things personally, if the other does not seem to appreciate the efforts we make for them or if they reproach us when we do our best.

But how can we love and respect ourselves while listening to the needs of others?

This is done through " non-violent conscious communication"

Very often when we disagree with others, we are either aggressive towards the other or passive towards ourselves.

“Nonviolent conscious communication” allows us to be respectful of others as well as ourselves.

To achieve this, there is a method called OSBD , it consists of starting with an objective observation , then by expressing one's feelings , then by stating one 's fundamental needs, and finally making a request to the other.

Then, we invite our interlocutor to do the same.

I recently tried this method with my ex-partner and his reaction during our conversation made me realize that I was on the wrong track and that our relationship was not based on true love but on attachment. Which led me to end this story that was ultimately doomed to failure.

So this brings us to say that mindfulness meditation asks us to take care of ourselves.

Because taking care of yourself means respecting yourself. And it is as important as the relationship itself. Mindfulness means in English "to be attentive"; it evokes presence, kindness, and gentleness, in the silent empathetic listening of the other.

Being caring means taking responsibility for being interested and looking out for the well-being of oneself and others.

This is mindfulness in action, not just in intention. Feeling a caring presence around you is a beautiful act of love every day. And it is better than any fiery declarations. It nourishes the relationship and avoids routine, by fostering gratitude and appreciation in the long term.

Know how to love in joy rather than in fear.

Mindfulness allows us to find inner security in the present moment. It is not in jealousy, control, or a reflection of our fears.

Mindfulness allows us to have a sexuality in openness, without having anything to prove, and without expectations of results.

This allows us to love without fear of disappointing, and in the acceptance of what is, of the present moment. Everything is natural and the sexual act becomes a celebration of the experience of the present moment.

We can make love with a kiss, a caress, a look, ... there is no stereotypical unfolding. This allows us to experience this act of love without any notion of performance because there is no goal to achieve. Other than that of opening up to the other and fully living the present moment.

Reading the book "Loving Mindfully" by Thich Nhath Hanh, a very beautiful passage stands out that I share with you to conclude this article and which speaks of "How to recognize true love?"

So I repeat his words:

"True love offers us beauty, freshness, solidity, freedom and peace. True love contains within it the feeling of deep joy. If we do not feel all this when we love, then it is not true love."

Buddha also offers us a very beautiful approach to true love.

This love that brings authentic and lasting happiness.

According to him, if a love is not true, it will inevitably bring suffering for me as well as for you.

True love has 4 elements according to Buddha

1. Kindness , or the ability to bring happiness to others. If I am not able to make others happy, it is not true love.

2. Compassion , if I am not able to take care of your suffering and mine, it is not true love

3. Joy , if in a romantic relationship I make the other person cry, it is not true love.

4. Inclusion , or the absence of exclusion, separation. Love is not limited, it extends without discrimination.

Thanks to Olivier Raurich, author of "Mindfulness at the heart of the romantic relationship" - Edition Jouvence published on 11/2/2020 who also inspired this article.

To meditate well, find our meditation accessories such as meditation cushions, zabutons or zafus on our site.

Delphine, was born in Marseille, she lived abroad for many years and is now based in Paris. "I feel like a citizen of the world" she tells us. She also needs to travel often and be in contact with other cultures to nourish the part of it that has thirst for discovery and adventure! She is also the mother of two daughters aged 4 and 8.

Before becoming a Yoga teacher, she worked for 17 years in companies for multinationals in the world of media and entertainment. She has now been giving yoga classes for a year and a few months ago created a yoga offer for families: Mom'up. She offers yoga classes for children, family yoga classes and also yoga & relaxation classes for parents, in particular to help them relieve the mental load. She has also just launched a first family Yoga stay with Yoga for everyone, children and adults and of course together, as a family.

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.

How did you get to take care of yourself?

In business I worked a lot both at night and during the day because my contacts were based abroad. I was affected by time differences and I didn't realize that little by little I was no longer connected to my feelings and my body.

He was exhausted, he was sending me signals that I wasn't listening to. After the birth of my second daughter, returning to my company didn't go well. I made the decision to give myself time, to take care of myself.

What practice for your well-being?

I mainly practice yoga. I started yoga with Kundalini Yoga, it is a yoga that activates energies and chakras with postures and meditations in movement. We use a lot of mantras. It is an energetic and very spiritual yoga. Little by little I came to other yogas, I tried several, I am very curious and all practices interest me. The ones I am sensitive to are those with a holistic dimension, which touch both the body and the mind.

A yoga class focused solely on precision and technique will have no effect on me.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I need music, it puts me in a good mood and in a good mood, so I have a good playlist with both Sanskrit chants and contemporary music. I like to burn a stick of palo santo, a sandalwood, natural, pure, and untreated. It comes from a sacred tree typical of the South American Pacific coast. It is used in South America by shamans who burn it to purify homes, promote the circulation of the body's energy flows, to counteract bad energies and purify the atmosphere, or for meditation. It acts against stress through its calming and relaxing effect.

What do you get out of it?

It allows me to soothe both my body and my mind, I can better take a step back from things and events. It is also a tool that helps me to vibrate and radiate, I feel brighter, more sure of myself. Thanks to yoga, I have met many people who are working on themselves and our exchanges are rich.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

I'm a bit like Mary Poppins, my bag is full of magical objects that I use for children's and family yoga: scarves, candles, stones, massage balls, cards, essential oil...

For adult yoga too, I place candles and stones on the ground so I always have some in my bag.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

My orange blossom essential oil, I do a massage at the end of the class using this oil, I feel like I'm traveling a little each time...

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

To take time for yourself, to try different yogas, to let yourself be surprised by different approaches. By testing things I reconnected with lost sensations, spontaneity, innocence, lightness, fantasy…

 Where/how do you practice?

I practice at home, I always start my personal practice with prayanama (breathing) and meditation then stretching and a few sequences and I finish with deep relaxation.

I also need to go to the studio to be guided and practice in a group, I am sensitive to group energy. I like to go to studios close to home at Tigre yoga, Kshanti and Bandha Yoga located in Paris in the 6th. I will also try different approaches abroad when I travel.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

Carry your yoga mat with a bag or carrying strap.

You have signed up for a group yoga class and for the trouble you have bought a yoga mat . However, this is not a travel mat and therefore not foldable? When you carry it, your yoga equipment unrolls or even worse falls on the floor and gets dirty? But also, you cannot open the doors, because your hands are full? Know that there are solutions to take care of your soul mat even during the journey from home to the studio and keep your hands free. With a carrying bag or a special strap, it is easier to transport your yoga mat .

The yoga mat bag to protect your yoga equipment

The yoga mat carrying bag is perhaps what protects your yoga accessory the most, especially in case of rain, in order to keep it longer, because sometimes you paid dearly for it. Equipped with an adjustable strap, it allows you to carry your yoga mat to the studio. In addition, on some models, pockets offer the possibility of storing your phone, keys and wallet. Be careful, your bag must be the required size to accommodate your floor mat . Finally, know that there are different patterns that you can choose according to your tastes, but also various eco-responsible materials such as jute and wool.

The yoga mat strap a less expensive choice

The yoga mat carrying strap is certainly less expensive, but your yoga accessory is also less protected. Its advantage is that you can still hold your rolled-up equipment without it falling to the ground and have your hands free. Choose a yoga mat strap that matches your mat and your size. Here too, the design differs (especially the colors) as well as the eco-friendly materials such as cotton. Note that you can also use your yoga strap (the one for performing postures).

The carrying strap supplied with the soul mat to make your life easier

You don't want to buy a carrying bag or strap for your soul mat ? Maybe you prefer a yoga mat with a strap sold at the same time? Indeed, some models already have their own carrying method, which corresponds to the yoga equipment .

Discover all our yoga mat carrying bags and straps in the Tayronalife store.

Recipe of Anaïs Sauvier - Natur House Dietician in the Annecy region.

Natur House is a food rebalancing center.

Within the brand, we don't speak diet, but rather good habits to relearn & maintain has long term. For this, regular monitoring is put in place based on the objectives and needs of each individual by a dietician-nutritionist state graduate which will adapt to your lifestyle , in order to offer you a food plan without frustration and who will allow you to finally maintain your goals as they are .

The consultations are varied (weight loss, improving sleep or even stress reduction).

Natur House dieticians are also phytotherapists, which allows the integration of natural food supplements (based on fruits, plants and vegetables) in addition of the proposed food plan. These supplements do not replace food but support weight loss or any other objective (sleep, stress, etc.).

The brand's motto: Well-being above all!

This recipe is a promise of comfort! A tasty recipe and suitable for cold and wet seasons.

For 4 people

In the kitchen: 25 min + 20 min cooking

• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 head of cauliflower, roughly cut into florets
• 125 ml + 1L of diet vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper

The preparation

In a 4-litre cast iron saucepan or Dutch oven, sauté the onion in the oil over low heat for 15 minutes. Stir regularly. It is important not to brown the onion in order to preserve the cauliflower's distinctive flavour in the next step.

Add the cauliflower and 125ml of the stock. Increase the heat slightly and cover. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.

Add 1 L of broth and continue cooking for 20 minutes. The cauliflower should fall apart easily. Set aside.

In a blender, puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes to thicken the soup.

When serving, add a little water if the soup is too thick. Serve with freshly ground pepper, if desired.

To find Anaïs - Dietician and her Natur House offices:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturhouseannecy/

Website:

ANNECY:

https://www.naturhouse.fr/liste-centres/202-annecy-chambery/

ANNECY-LE-VIEUX:

https://www.naturhouse.fr/liste-centres/794-annecy-le-vieux

Journalist specializing in health, well-being, personal development and Yoga, Laurence Pinsard contributes to various magazines and notably produces the special editions of the magazine Esprit Yoga. She recently published La pensée Yoga en famille , a book on the history and philosophy of Yoga, with many games to play with the family. When she is not writing, Laurence teaches yoga in Bordeaux, notably within the association Om Sweet Om Yoga Bordeaux 

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.

How did you get to take care of yourself?

After several years of traveling a lot, I felt like I didn't like where I lived anymore. So I started an inner journey. I used my profession as a journalist to start taking care of myself by creating a guide on well-being in Paris: Paris zen, published by the Guide du routard in 2006. This gave me the opportunity to discover Yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, massages but also healthy, organic and vegetarian food.

What practice for your well-being?

I mainly practice Hatha Yoga, which I adapt according to my energy, my cycle, the season. I just finished my second session of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction meditation which brought meditation a little more into my daily practice. I also regularly practice Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra and, when the opportunity arises, I enjoy a good Vinyasa class.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I start each day (or almost!) with a practice of integral Yoga (kriya, pranayama, asana, meditation, mantra). If for some reason I don't do my full practice, I take at least 15 minutes for breathing exercises and meditation.

What do you get out of it?

The practice of Yoga, sauna, massages, walking in nature, a good diet, constitute a healthy lifestyle that seems essential to me today. It contributes to my balance and makes me feel alive, vibrant. All this has completely changed my life!

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

When I go on a course or retreat, I take a lot of things with me… My Jade travel mat, 2 cork bricks, a cotton strap, a small meditation cushion, a wool shawl and at least 1 cotton blanket for candle practice.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

I'm not very fetishistic, but I always have a notebook and a pen with me!

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

I recommend going into nature as often as possible! And also to remember that in this world, nothing is perfect, nothing is imperfect and that it is perfect like that! It helps to be a little more kind to yourself. Because it is not always easy to set up a personal practice, or even to be regular at Yoga classes… Practicing compassion meditation (or benevolence) is always a good idea, it is a very powerful meditation. It is very well guided by Nicole Bordeleau

• Where/how do you practice?

I practice at home, no matter where, as long as there is space for my Yoga mat. I regularly go to classes, especially Iyengar Yoga, which I have been practicing for almost 15 years now.

• What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

I love mantras! They are part of my daily practice. It is not easy to choose, but today I choose "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu", which can be translated as: May all beings, in all worlds, live in happiness, peace, fulfillment and prosperity. To which we can add: and may our thoughts, words and actions contribute to this. It is a powerful mantra of peace and compassion.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/omsweetomyogabordeaux/ & https://www.facebook.com/laurence.pinsard

IG: https://www.instagram.com/pinsardlaurence/

photo credit: @anaka

Cleaning a yoga mat is not done in the same way depending on its material.

Your yoga mat accompanies you during your sessions. But, it can quickly get dirty and bacteria can multiply, not to mention bad odors. It's even worse if you practice often! The solution? Clean your yoga mat regularly . However, how to do it? In reality, the method of washing the soul mat will depend on its material. Indeed, some materials are more fragile than others. Also, its primary quality of being non-slip should not be diminished. This article will guide you on how to maintain your yoga mat like a pro to keep it longer.

Washing the eco-friendly Oeko-tex certified PVC yoga mat

A foam yoga mat can be washed in any way: in the washing machine at 30°C without spinning, by hand in lukewarm water and using a spray for soul mat . To clean it in the washing machine or by hand, use very little detergent and especially no Marseille soap which reduces the adhesion of your yoga equipment . As for drying, forget the dryer. After each session, why not spray a few drops of yoga mat spray to disinfect.

How to clean a natural rubber yoga mat

Natural rubber yoga mat maintenance is done by hand with warm water. Gently rub your mat with a non-abrasive cloth and air dry it away from sunlight. Avoid cleaning products that could compromise grip. Another solution is to use a special natural rubber yoga mat spray .

Disinfecting an eco-friendly TPE yoga mat

To clean a TPE yoga mat , wash it, without anything else, in the washing machine at 30 °C with a few drops of detergent. Be careful not to use Marseille soap as this will make your yoga accessory slippery. Also avoid spinning and tumble drying! Another, more restrictive, washing method is hand cleaning in lukewarm water, again with a few drops of cleaner. To do this, simply rub your mat gently with a soft sponge and then rinse. Finally, the ready-made spray for soul mat is not recommended.

How to care for a non-slip cork yoga mat

Be aware that most cork yoga mats have an antibacterial coating and therefore require very little maintenance. However, avoid cleaning your yoga mat with water, as this material does not support it.

Cleaning Jute Floor Mats

To easily disinfect and maintain a jute yoga mat , spray a few drops of ready-made mat spray. Choose a natural one for an eco-friendly choice! Then wipe with a clean, dry cloth or air dry it. For a deeper clean, wash it by hand with very little detergent and lukewarm water. Rub gently with a non-abrasive cloth before rinsing. Do not use Marseille soap, which would make your mat slippery.

How to wash a quality cotton yoga mat

There are two options for cleaning a cotton yoga mat : in the washing machine or by hand. Put it in the washing machine at 30 °C with a little detergent and without other clothes. You can even spin it. However, avoid the dryer which alters its softness and quality. As for the maintenance of the yoga mat by hand , use a small amount of cleaner and lukewarm water. Afterwards, simply rub your yoga equipment with a soft sponge and rinse. However, if you do not want to bother with washing your cotton mat, consider dry cleaning.

Maintaining your wool yoga mat

Just like the cotton mat, you can choose to machine wash or hand wash it in lukewarm water. When washing your yoga mat in the machine without other laundry, choose a delicate program (or even a special wool program) without spinning. Be careful, do not use a tumble dryer. For hand washing, use lukewarm water and a special wool hand detergent. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse. Do not twist your mat to wring it out. For ease, take your floor mat to the dry cleaners.

Discover all our eco-responsible yoga mats on the Tayronalife store.

Recipe of Anaïs Sauvier - Natur House Dietician in the Annecy region.

Natur House is a food rebalancing center.

Within the brand, we don't speak diet, but rather good habits to relearn & maintain has long term. For this, regular monitoring is put in place based on the objectives and needs of each individual by a dietician-nutritionist state graduate which will adapt to your lifestyle , in order to offer you a food plan without frustration and who will allow you to finally maintain your goals as they are .

The consultations are varied (weight loss, improving sleep or even stress reduction).

Natur House dieticians are also phytotherapists, which allows the integration of natural food supplements (based on fruits, plants and vegetables) in addition of the proposed food plan. These supplements do not replace food but support weight loss or any other objective (sleep, stress, etc.).

The brand's motto: Well-being above all!

This recipe is a promise of comfort! A tasty recipe and suitable for cold and wet seasons.

For 1 person:

In the kitchen: 10 min + 3 min cooking

• 40 grams of oat flakes
• 1 apple
• 1 egg white
• 3 tablespoons of milk (vegetable or animal)
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 small handful of raisins
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

The preparation

Wash, peel and cut the apple into small pieces.

In a bowl, beat the egg white, add the milk and the oat flakes. Mix.

Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix

Microwave for 3 minutes.

Unmold the bowl onto a plate. You can serve it with apple slices all around.

Enjoy your food !     

To find Anaïs - Dietician and her Natur House offices:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturhouseannecy/

Website:

ANNECY:

https://www.naturhouse.fr/liste-centres/202-annecy-chambery/

ANNECY-LE-VIEUX:

https://www.naturhouse.fr/liste-centres/794-annecy-le-vieux/

Marylou is a passionate woman, a fulfilled mother and a motivated yogini. Now, she is also a yoga teacher certified since 2019 by the French Federation of Green Yoga certified Yoga Alliance. She wishes to transmit in turn, by creating "Yogasana", her vision of yoga and her philosophy of life, with pleasure and kindness, on her native island and surroundings. She lives on the island of Ré, in a small village by the sea. It is a place conducive to well-being, to the wonder of nature and very invigorating!

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

6 years ago, I was living in the mountains and one day, I had a lightbulb moment. I went to a yoga class out of curiosity and I immediately became "hooked" on the well-being it gave me.

I think it filled a void at that precise moment in my life and helped me overcome various things on a physical and moral level.

Since that day, I have become aware of myself and my needs to be truly well. I started to "listen to myself".

What practice for your well-being?

To simply feel good, I need a very regular yoga practice and time for walks on the beach, in the forest... outside of my home!

What is the ritual of your practice?

Unroll my mat with an intention for my practice of the day, chant the mantra AUM and then put on some music that inspires me.

What do you get out of it?

Immense physical well-being and serenity in my daily life.

Self-confidence and fairer decision-making.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

The bare essentials: my mat, a strap and a cork brick if I have space!

What is your favorite object/accessory?

Right now, it's a solitary dreamcatcher earring that never leaves my side.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

Practice with kindness to yourself and your body. Pay attention to your ego during practice, let go and above all breathe.

Where/how do you practice?

I practice at home and in the studio with my teacher every week.

I also like to try out new courses elsewhere or do internships to deepen my practice and discover other ways of teaching.

And sometimes I do a few poses, with my feet in the sand, at the beach or on a paddleboard to escape!

- What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”

Contact :

Facebook: yogasana ile de re

Instagram: yogasana_iledere

yogasana17@gmail.com

Where does Buddhism come from?

Buddhism is a legend that took root in Northern India, on the border of Nepal, in the 6th century BC. More precisely in a small town called LUMBINI, where a little boy was born to the Couple MAYADEVI and the kinglet SUDHODANA who commands the clan of noble warriors "SAKYA". At birth, the child receives the name of Siddharta GAUTAMA, later he will bear the name of SAKYAMUNI which means the wise man of the Sakya.

Legend has it that he was conceived from a white elephant in a premonitory dream. At his birth, he took 7 steps and announced his future spiritual realization. At that time, India was very much steeped in Hinduism. A religion much older than the future Buddhism by four millennia.

This religion has the belief of believing in reincarnation, namely that all humanity is subject to death with multiple repetitions whether one is human or animal. The faithful honor a multitude of divinities and place their trust in the BRAHMANS, who are the dominant class. These successive reincarnations were, for some, the nightmare of the faithful.

Our future "BUDHA" is raised inside the family palace, kept away from the human and divine crowd. One day, around his 20th birthday, the young man left the palace and met an old beggar, an outcaste man, a beggar monk, a dead man on the stake. These encounters were overwhelming. He decided to give up his promising situation, left his family palace and went into the forest towards the unknown. There, he met hermits who became his companions.

Buddhism or the search for a new truth

In this spiritual approach and in search of truth, our young man detached himself from the belief in a supreme god, multiplied by a host of specific qualities, all divine marrying together and forming an immense divine family.

Still in his search for the truth, he considers that man and woman are devoid of soul, of their own personality (ANATMAN), but only provided with a simple aggregation of impermanent and changing phenomena (ANITYA), generating suffering (DUKKHA) by their inability to fully satisfy us.

The young hermit, BUDDHA or the "Awakened One" gives himself the mission of ridding the sad course of successive lives of all suffering. For him, successive lives do not affect the same being indefinitely since he has no soul. He sees in successive lives a way of gradually transforming each human being by improving the aggregate of phenomena that each time produce a better being until he reaches "awakening" - NIRVANA which chases away confusion and illusion to be illuminated by reality.

The origin of suffering, according to him, comes from the desire for something, from attachment to something called thirst (TRSNA).

This inner transformation of our hermit, according to legend, took place during a deep meditation at BODHI GAYA where the BODHI tree is located. He deduced that the truth exists, neither in excess nor in extreme austerity; but in the middle way. Tradition presents this conviction as a perfect spiritual "illumination": BODHI or AWAKENING which is for each one the extinction of selfish desire and illusion which are the cause of suffering.

Enlightenment is therefore the goal achieved by practicing the doctrine of “DHARMA” to follow the noble Eightfold path.

Is Buddhism a religion?

Like many religions or philosophies, Buddhism is a code of life. Buddhist morality teaches that all our actions have consequences: some on ourselves and our behavior; others on our near and distant environment.

Positive human actions are called "KUSALA", and negative actions "AKUSALA". The practice of this morality requires everyone to examine the state of mind they are in when performing this or that act. Before any action, it is appropriate to realize the scope of our actions. And to take responsibility for doing or not doing.

There are therefore 5 precepts to respect:

1. Do no harm to any living being, do no killing
2. Do not take anything that is not given
3. Not to engage in sexual misconduct
4. Do not use false or lying words
5. Abstain from alcohol or any intoxicants.

Others are added:

1. Purify your body through kind and generous actions
2. Purify your speech, with true communication
3. Purify one's mind by abandoning lust, changing hatred into compassion, and transforming ignorance into wisdom.

Buddhist doctrine is compiled in writing, there are several collections. This doctrine is transmitted and commented on by a multitude of interpreters who will give birth to a multitude of schools. The works which detail the doctrine and the practice of the Way are kept in the monasteries.

Originating in India in the 5th century BC, Buddhism spread to Central Asia, China, Tibet, Thailand, North and South Cree, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia.

France is said to have 600,000 Buddhists and 1 million sympathizers.

The yoga mat is to the yogi what the racket is to the tennis player or the swimsuit to the swimmer: an indispensable object! It accompanies us in all our sessions, supports us in our efforts, helps us find our breath, and welcomes our moments of relaxation. Having your own mat has one major advantage: that of only accommodating our feet (and all the other parts of our body, including our face). Our yoga mat is quite simply THE basis for a pleasant practice.

How to choose the right carpet? Based on technical criteria such as composition, thickness, weight, dimensions, but also on aesthetic and ethical considerations.

Six essential criteria

1) Adhesion and resistance

The material of your yoga mat determines its texture, grip, "softness", resistance and longevity. The "non-slip" characteristic of a mat is an important criterion, especially if you practice dynamic or physically demanding yoga (and most yogas are!). Some mats, covered with a microfiber coating, are particularly suitable for dynamic Yoga and hot Yoga because the more you sweat, the more they "stick". PVC and TPE mats have good grip in all circumstances. Those made of natural rubber are suitable for yogis who want maximum grip while ensuring the protection of the environment. Natural or recycled rubber mats are well suited to a Hatha Yoga practice while jute, organic or natural cotton mats are rather reserved for gentler Yoga practices such as Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra.

2) Thickness

The thickness is chosen according to the type of yoga practiced. For dynamic yogas such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa, prefer a mat with a thickness between 4.5 and 6 mm to properly cushion jumps. Fans of Hatha, Iyengar, Viniyoga, etc., you can choose a thinner mat, unless you have sensitive knees (in this case, again choose a thick mat). Travel mats, which are thinner, are extremely practical when you are a nomadic yogi!

3) Weight

The thickness of the mat also determines its weight. If you are more of a traveler (you want to practice at home, in a studio, and in Lyon as well as in Bali), the weight of the latter can be a decisive factor. Travel mats are very light, as are TPE mats. If you plan to always leave your mat in the same place, its weight is less important: instead, base your choice on the previous characteristics, grip and thickness.

4) Size

Tall people should opt for models with a length of 220 cm (such as https://bit.ly/2OYCnrk ) on which they can lie down at full length without being in direct contact with the ground. For most people, 180 cm mats are perfect! Also pay attention to the width of your mat if you have a wide build: you risk feeling cramped on standard width accessories (60 cm). Instead, choose an "XL" mat with a width of 80 cm.

5) Color

Of course, it is best to choose a mat whose design appeals to you: you will want to unroll it as often as possible! Beyond that, the choice of color is also decisive. Indeed, each color corresponds to a particular energy and some practitioners are very sensitive to it (sometimes without really realizing it). Yogis have a For those who have too much energy can choose an indigo or purple mat, those who feel they lack anchoring, stability, can opt for a red mat. A practitioner who lacks a little energy will rather choose a yellow, saffron or orange mat.

6) Ecological awareness

Last but not least: respect for the environment. Be aware that whatever the materials that make up your mat, the major brands (Liform, Jade, Manduka, Tayrona, etc.) are increasingly eco-conscious and pay particular attention to the origin of the materials that make up yoga mats. To learn more about this issue, don't hesitate to consult our article "How to choose your eco-responsible mat" https://www.tayronalife.com/pages/choisir-son-tapis-de-yoga-2

PVC, TPE, natural rubber, jute, cork, cotton, wool… choose your yoga mat first for its grip.

You are surfing the online stores of yoga mats and you realize that there are various materials like TPE and rubber. But, which one to buy? You are lost! However, this accessory is your real ally in the realization of asanas, so you must choose it carefully. Both comfortable, non-slip or pretty, it accompanies you in your progress. Select the floor mat that suits your practice, in particular according to its grip and comfort, especially if you have fragile joints. Through this article, we guide you in your choice of a quality yoga mat made for you.

Eco-friendly PVC yoga mat

What is behind this acronym? PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a cheap yoga mat , which you can buy if you practice yoga occasionally. Despite its price, it remains a resistant, lightweight, non-slip and easy-to-maintain yoga accessory . Be careful, opt for a PVC yoga mat certified by Oeko-tex or SGS to have the guarantee of a non-toxic and recyclable material. Thanks to it, you can practice all types of yoga.

TPE yoga mat

As for TPE, it is composed of thermoplastic elastomers. The TPE yoga mat is the compromise between PVC and natural rubber. Ideal for people allergic to latex! Know that this yoga accessory is light, comfortable, non-slip and shock-absorbing. Perfect for fragile joints! However, the grip of this TPE mat is weaker than that of the natural rubber mat .

Non-slip yoga mat made of natural rubber

The natural rubber mat is the must-have of mats! Often made of rubber, it is comfortable and very non-slip on the floor in addition to being recyclable, biodegradable and durable. Perfect for dynamic practices! However, its weight and price are higher. Prefer it for home and regular sessions! Be careful, if you are allergic to latex, do not buy a rubber yoga mat .

Eco-friendly jute yoga mat

Are you eyeing jute yoga mats ? Be careful, some are a mix of plastic and jute, so they are not eco-friendly at all. Also, you should know that this yoga accessory is rough. Avoid if you have sensitive skin! However, it is solid, but may still fray. The good compromise is a jute and natural rubber mat . We recommend using it for gentle yoga styles.

Cork yoga mat

Do you know the cork mat ? This one is not very well known even though it is non-slip, pleasant to the touch and even antibacterial. An eco-responsible yoga accessory ideal if your hands sweat a lot! In addition, the cork yoga mat is suitable for all styles of yoga. Finally, this material is very easy to clean.

Cotton floor mats

The cotton yoga mat is also called a ''cotton mat''. Traditionally, the cotton yoga mat was used by the Indians for their practice (TPE, PVC, etc. did not exist). Be careful, because this material is not at all non-slip. In fact, we recommend this accessory only for meditation or gentle types of yoga (Yin yoga or Restorative yoga). It is a good insulator if you practice on the floor, but also comfortable. Prefer an eco-friendly yoga mat in organic or natural cotton.

Wool yoga mat

The wool yoga mat may be little known, but oh so comfortable. Just like the cotton one, it is not non-slip and is therefore only suitable for meditation or Savasana, or even asanas on the floor, because it is a good insulator. Choose a natural, organic or Oeko-tex and SGS certified material. Be aware that this floor mat is not suitable for vegans.

Discover all our quality yoga mats on the Tayronalife store.

Recipe by Anaïs Sauvier - Natur House dietician in the Annecy region.

Natur House is a food rebalancing center.

Within the brand, we do not talk about diet, but rather about good habits to re-learn and maintain in the long term. For this, regular monitoring is set up according to the objectives and needs of each person by a state-certified dietician-nutritionist who will adapt to  your lifestyle , in order to offer you a frustration-free eating plan that will finally allow you to maintain your goals as they are .

The consultations are varied (weight loss, improving sleep or even stress reduction).

Natur House dieticians are also phytotherapists, which allows them to integrate natural food supplements (based on fruits, plants and vegetables) in addition  of the proposed food plan. These supplements do not replace food but support weight loss or any other objective (sleep, stress, etc.).

The brand's motto: Well-being above all!

This recipe is a promise of comfort! A tasty recipe and suitable for cold and wet seasons.

For 4 plates

In the kitchen: 15 min + 20 min cooking

• 2 carrots
• 2 turnips
• 1 parsnip
• 500g of pumpkin
• 2 yellow onions
• 2 red onions
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

The preparation

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Peel the carrots, parsnip, sweet potato, pumpkin and turnips, cut them into thin slices.

Peel and slice the yellow onions, melt them over low heat in 2 tbsp of oil. Peel the red onions, cut them into slices.

Spread the melted onions in a baking dish, salt and pepper. Arrange the vegetable slices vertically on top, alternating each vegetable in a row. Pour the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil on top and bake for 30 minutes.

Serve with green salad.

To find Anaïs - Dietician and her Natur House offices:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturhouseannecy/

Website:

ANNECY:

https://www.naturhouse.fr/liste-centres/202-annecy-chambery/

ANNECY-LE-VIEUX:

https://www.naturhouse.fr/liste-centres/794-annecy-le-vieux/