Mindfulness + Yoga
For over a dozen years, I’ve explored yoga, mindfulness, and eastern philosophy. In particular, I’ve been interested in the intersection of minimalism and yoga/mindfulness. Turns out, they’re the same thing. Intention and awareness are the foundations of leading a simple life brimming with energy, fun, curiosity, and meaning.
Often Yoga is reduced to just the asanas (postures) and feel more like an exercise class than an opportunity to connect with ourselves.
Through other aspects of yoga like pranayama (breathing) and philosophy (ex. the Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali) we find that the postures are only a piece of the practice.
Resources
Books
The Yamas + Niyamas by Deborah Adele
This is my favorite book. I suggest reading one chapter a month for a year.
The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali
This is the main text for Ashtanga yoga.
Radical Acceptance and True Refuge by Tara Brach
Tara Brach was my first introduction to mindfulness.
Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron
Pema Chodron was my second introduction to mindfulness :).
With the growing popularity of gratitude practices and gratitude journals, people are stepping outside of their hectic mindsets and daily challenges to recognize just how fortunate they are. It’s part of mindset change, which is an integral part of developing a minimalist lifestyle with ease.