| While breathing the 'essential breath' and returning to | | | | prop, win over the fear ofwrecking your cool mat? |
| our naturalrhythms is key to our journey of | | | | Can you wash your yoga mat, and if so, how? What |
| self-knowledge and vibrant good health,we need not | | | | is the best wayto do it? |
| ignore or turn away from the mundane and often | | | | The first thing to consider is what type of mat you |
| grittyaspects of our basic selves. There can evolve a | | | | have. Is it astandard synthetic yoga mat or one of the |
| pleasant rhythm to themaintenance activities in life. | | | | newer, all-natural rubbermats? Is your mat a padded |
| There is beauty in simplicity. By becomingmindful and | | | | exercise mat with a foam core? Followmanufacturer's |
| aware in the present moment the most humble task | | | | directions if at all possible. If needed, follow |
| has thepossibility to become a meditation, dance or | | | | thesessteps... |
| prayer. If the eye is clear,said Jesus, our body will be | | | | ~ If your mat is lightly soiled,... use a spray bottle, |
| filled with light. When our attention isreceptive and | | | | dampsponge or terry-cloth rag to apply a solution of 2 |
| accepting, all that we see may become a source | | | | cups water, four dropdishwashing soap and 1 |
| ofteaching. | | | | teaspoon baking soda. Rub the soiled areas. |
| According to Kabir, the 15th century Indian poet, (a | | | | Next wipe the mat with clean water. Finish by rubbing |
| favorite of mine) | | | | with a dry terry-cloth towel and hanging to air dry. |
| "When the eyes and ears are open, even the leaves | | | | ~ If your mat is heavily soiled,... submerge it in a |
| onthe trees teach like pages from the scriptures." | | | | solutionof warm water and a very small amount of |
| Every act or task we perform with mindfulness and | | | | mild detergent. Any soapresidue may cause the mat |
| care may plant aseed of awakening. The Buddhists | | | | to become slippery during future use. Handwash mat |
| say that even chopping wood andcarrying water can | | | | thoroughly then rinse it in clean water. After squeezing |
| lead us to healing and joy if we bring to them | | | | outexcess water, lay the mat on a dry terry-cloth |
| ourabsolute full and loving attention. As Mother Teresa | | | | towel and roll them both uptogether. Repeatedly step |
| said, "We do nogreat thing. We do only small things | | | | on the mat/towel roll to squeeze out evenmore |
| with great love." | | | | moisture. Finally, unroll mat and hang to air-dry. |
| Yet, at times the seemingly simplest of things can | | | | ***If you have a foam filled mat, do not |
| become complicated. | | | | submerge...repeat spray/wipemethod! |
| Like when it's time to wash your yoga mat. Can your | | | | Namaste' |
| love for yourpractice and hope for a sweet-smelling | | | | © 2005 Karen B. Cohen All Rights Reserved. |