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Yoga equipment and Spiritual Energy

We believe that the use of predominantly natural materials for Yoga equipment is better for everyone.

Using all-natural materials is probably best for your body, your spiritual well-being and the planet.

If you consider the way Yoga gear is used:-

• Regularly (possibly every day?)
• At times of day when we might be less aware of harmful influences than normal (early morning or evenings)
• Close to the body (eg. blocks and cushions)
• Touching the skin (eg. clothes and mats)
• For extended periods of time (especially when on a course or workshop)

Then, we believe that it is crucial to ensure that the materials used have been:-

• Sourced fairly (avoiding factories in regions with poor environmental or other controls)
• Made with care (avoiding child labour and sweat shops)
• Contain natural ingredients (avoiding harmful pesticides, herbicides, and biocidal additives etc.)
• Marketed ethically (clear and unambiguous product information and packaging with low environmental packaging etc.)

Our own emphasis is on spiritual advancement, as we believe that this leads physical and mental development also.

Wheras, a popular belief is that doing Yoga is solely a means of getting a fitter and healthier body.

Real spiritual progress will always lead, ultimately to good health - it cannot be said that the reverse is true.

The nature of the materials we choose and use in Yoga products is very important.

The effectiveness of the energy that can be used for healing and advancement purposes depends on our capacity for understanding the transformative nature of Yoga - which becomes more apparent to us as practitioners over time.

Good examples of this trancend the individual, physical and mental benefits (eg. less prone to the effects of illness, improved concentration etc.).

Ultimately, the ability of the yoga practitioner to transcend the more chronic and harmful aspects of life will depend on aligning oneself to a more natural energy, already present in well made, natural products.

Synthetics like foams and vinyls are manufactured, at best with neutral life energy - and more often with a negative impact. They also have no capacity for storing this energy as very often they are sanitised and chemically inert - to improve durability. The problem with this is that they can be very difficult to recycle without some environmental impact.

In contrast to this, natural materials like wool, timber and plant extracts seem to have a more real relationship with their environment, and (generally) improve with continued use. And, when wear and tear have taken their toll, they usually present no further risk to living beings or the environment and can be cleanly disposed of easily.

When it comes to Yoga equipment, we believe that there are no synthetic materials or substances better than naturally produced materials.

If we try to cut corners and apply economic or similar criteria to our selection of Yoga products - we believe that Yoga practice itself will only suffer as a result.

Other articles related to yoga, equipment, spiritual, energy etc.

The life and times of the Sticky Yoga mat

Yoga mat and equipment use

Sticky Yoga mats - Ecological issues

Yoga mats: Ecology and Environmental issues

The Benefits of Yoga

Cotton Yoga goods: Ecology and Environmental issues

Disclaimer: All exercise activity contains an element of risk. The information provided in this article is intended to augment, rather than replace professional guidance from a qualified instructor as may be necessary. The information is provided as is, without any claim, representation or warranty as to its suitability in any circumstances. Specifically, the information provided shall not constitute personal advice or recommendation, and in any case may not necessarily reflect an authoritative or the official view of YOGA NETWORK C.I.C. The entire risk as to the accuracy, completeness and suitability, or otherwise of any of the information provided is accepted by you. YOGA NETWORK C.I.C. does not assert any legal responsibility for accuracy, errors, or omissions etc. in this article.