But getting back to basics, as we are ought to do (just check out the lastest running shoes), mats are also something to possess, protect, clean, lose, covet, compare, and talk about.   The New York Times took notice with their article "Their Lotus Can't Take Root on a Yoga Mat".  Author Mary Billard contends that, "A small but passionate subset of yoga practitioners say no. Bravely entering studios with little more than a towel, they argue that yoga mats are overcommercialized, bad for the environment and less hygienic." 

In chatting up some of my colleagues and with some advice from you all, it seems there is more than meets the eye or the hands and the feet.  Mats are helpful for many reasons, no doubt.  They pad, protect and provide the "stick".   The gripping that sticky mats provide can assist certain poses, like many standing poses, but it also allows for some laziness as the mat does a lot of your work by holding your feet in place versus using muscular effort.  For balancing poses the extra "give" is not helpful.   

You've probably noticed some students step off of their mats for balancing poses. Internationally recognized, certified Iyengar yoga teacher and sleep scientist (and lots of other kudos), Roger Cole, says,  "I prefer the bare floor for balancing on one foot because it doesn't give way like a mat does, and this allows finer control. . . I especially prefer a hard floor for balancing in handstands and other arm balances."  An entirely matless practice can be tricky because the knees do like some coosh.  When asked about going sans-mat, Sebastopol yogini, Elizabeth Wade, offers, "Yes, I love it. Better traction on my wood floor at home, firmer-feeling base for handstands, dog, tree, any balancing posture. . . I find it freeing and inviting to practice on the bare floor -- like I can just drop down (or stand up) and plunge in."

The highly respected yoga guru to many, Tony Briggs, sees mats as more of a territorial/personal-space issue. Our personal space varies from culture to culture and our personal bubble is larger than many other cultures.   According to Mr. Briggs, our coveted personal space is larger than the typical yoga mat. The mat sets up our boundaries and over-crowded classes can make us uncomfortable.  The mat defines our space and indulges some students to have to define their "'power spots' in the room, and if some poor newbie should innocently put their mat down there, we can get a little upset," contributes Briggs.  And, he adds, "definitely do not step on another's mat." 

Practicing without the confines of a pre-defined space can bring up more freedom of movement.  You can explore and be more playful, making the entire room your "mat".  Follow non-matter, Edward Clark's, example (but not too much) in his Youtube video Tripsichore's Simple Yoga Practice (hah!, beautiful, yes, simple, no).(1)  

Why not give it a try.  Notice how it feels to make direct contact with your surface whether it is a hardwood floor, the sandy beach or soft, dewey grass.  Do your poses feel different?  Is it hard to release your attachment to your mat and your "space"?   Check it out and let me know.  I always appreciate and enjoy your comments.

(1)  Multi-talented, Anne O'Brien, gave me Mr. Clark's name as a non-matter. A student of his, she credits her stunning and graceful, yet killer, Fallen Angel to him.  See it here without a mat.

There are lots of reasons why going to a public yoga class is not always right for you.  Maybe the class times are wrong or the location is inconvenient.  Maybe you're new to yoga and feel intimidated by a public class or you have an injury or condition that requires some individual attention.   Private or small group classes at your location at your chosen time can be the perfect answer.

It's fun to get friends together.  Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze.  Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves.  Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies.  Your friends will thank you!

Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions.  I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.