YogAttitude Cards: Review and Giveaway!

A little while back I received an email from the lovely Nadine Fawell, asking me to review her new Yoga Cards- YogAttitude. As I adore receiving emails and I'm always pretty good at responding, I wrote back just to make sure she knew I wasn't a yoga teacher (and perhaps not as "qualified" as she might like).

Silly me, of course she knew that- she wanted the student perspective!

A few short weeks later I received MAIL (I LOVE mail!) with a little box of yoga treasures to check out. Unfortunately my life also kinda blew up in October and it took a little longer to review than I'd hoped.

I'll be honest, I've never really enjoyed the yoga cards that I've seen floating around. The large, new age-y cards with some meaningful "yogic" inscription that some yoga teachers like to read in class. I was a little nervous about how I would use these cards I'd agreed to review.

Then I opened the box and realized I had found the yoga cards for me!

First of all, this cute little box is fantastic. I am a huge fan of the peacock feather graphic and the actual name of the cards "YogAttitude". The cards are quite narrow, which I was initially concerned about how I would use them, but after a few trials I realized that the narrow, smaller cards are actually better for practice.

Whereas the larger, clunkier cards are unwieldy and not really meant beyond a one card deal, Nadine's smaller cut cards are PERFECT for creating a sequence of yoga asana  to keep near your mat as you practice. She's also divided the cards into asana pictures and words to inspire, which allows the yogi truly carve a unique practice to their needs. That and smaller cards means less waste!

The cards come with a well written, not too froufrou workbook... which is pdf!! YES! Extremely environmentally friendly, if I choose to I can print it on recycled paper.

The size of the box and cards along with the pdf file workbook means that these are a wonderful accompaniment to my current traveling reality- I can easily bring yoga inspiration with me all over the province!

Beyond the practicalities of the cards are the actual images. If the usefulness didn't get me, I was instantly a fan when I saw how real Nadine's yoga asana images were. No uber skinny, American Apparel Yogini- but a gorgeous, strong, tattooed (LOVE her peacock tats!) Yogini to be inspired by.

So. How did I use the cards, really? I tried to go through and use them as a sequencer, but that really just didn't fit well with my style of practice. I tried choosing a few inspiration or "goal" asanas and that went marginally better.

The best success, for myself? I use them in a familiar way- almost like Tarot cards.

Yoga Asana Trio Prep w YogAttitude:
Taking the cards I close my eyes and begin to ground my Energy using my breath. I feel the cards and breathe into what is unconsciously influencing my life and choose a card. I breathe into what has been the root, the anchor in my world- and choose a card. Finally, I breathe into what I would like my life, my practice, to reflect- and choose a card.

The result- a trio of asanas meant to support, sustain or strengthen each aspect: the Unconscious, the Anchor and the Wish.

I have truly enjoyed these cards and am very thankful for Nadine in sharing them with me.

In the spirit of Giving, Nadine has sent me not one, but TWO decks (Yay! Thank you Nadine!)... and I would like to share a deck with YOU! Perhaps you'd like it for yourself, or for a special yogi(ni) in your life (a fantastic Yulemas gift!).

GIVEAWAY RULES:

All you have to do is leave a comment saying how you'd use the cards (or how you imagine your giftee would benefit from them) by Saturday, December 4th, 4pm Atlantic Time. An email address, or a way to get in touch would be necessary :)

Good luck!

article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Irrational Emotional Financial Anxiety (IEFA)

The Yulemas season is fast approaching (No huge 'Black Friday' in Canada means no official holiday season starting point) and I've been feeling increasingly stressed about the shopping and consumption.

I thought it was linked to the whole 'sustainability, buying more stuff is bad for the environment' mantra that I've been trying to REDUCE over the past years.... but what I've realized is that it's more like a sort of generalized anxiety or malaise.

After some thought, I've realized that the constant barrage of global economic instability, government debt, cuts, job losses and job insecurity in the media has been internalized in my general emotional system. Even though my job is permanent full time (and I'm unionized), I'm surrounded by uncertainty and job anxiety at my work. From the 'Occupy' movement, to the recent plunge in lobster prices which will force my family and friends of fishermen to basically live on unbelievably low wages, we're constantly under the impression on eminent social collapse.

Despite my permanent nature of my job I'm acting as if I could be unemployed (while still having to pay off a ton of debt) at any moment. I'm worried about investing in a long lasting, uber environmentally friendly winter coat- even though I walk to and from work in blizzard conditions daily and my current peacoat isn't warm enough, nor water-snow resistent. Even though I could budget for this coat.

I don't attend yoga classes (I saw a 'holiday deal' for unlimited studio access for one year at 899$....wow! can you imagine spending that much on a GIFT for someone??), I didn't even go see Michael Stone's talk about Occupy movement because it would have cost Andrew and I over 30$ (which seems counterintuitive to charge money for an 'Occupy' talk).

My yoga practice has been a temporary respite and I've upped my practice goal to 4x a week (for other health reasons as well), but it's this unconscious almost underlying theme to all my thoughts, all my conversations.

Does anyone else feel this irrational emotional anxiety about their finances?

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Movember is For Girls Too

Movember has taken Canada by storm, even Syd the Kid, good ole Nova Scotian walking TBI Hockey Hero, is growing a Movember 'stache. Though I have no idea if he's actually raising money with his moustache.

For those of you who have heard of this "Movember", maybe some yogis sporting a greasy Mo during yoga practice, and wondered "seriously? what gives?" a quick Movember update:

Created in Australia in 2004, men across the globe are encouraged to grow a moustache, from scratch, in order to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. They finally have a webpage and easy donating-social media pages this year (see the worldwide page to find your country's Movember page).

As wonderful as that all sounds, an interview with co-founder Adam Garone revealed that his group of friends had originally thought of "Movember" as a way to get the moustache back. The charity came afterward as a way to gain sympathy and give the movement more "cred".

Regardless of the reasons, Movember raises millions of dollars every year for prostate cancer, with Canada currently at the TOP having raised over 24 million dollars so far.

Evidence of our shenanigans...

My eco-stache and Andrew's Einstein 'stache. Sadly I couldn't convince him to fundraise...

Last weekend a group of friends met out at a dance bar (wow it's been a while!) for a Movember night out. Not to be left out, us girls Movembered up as well (along with a few non-moustached guys). Thanks to our wonderfully crafty Jen made us all Movember felted staches, mine being a recycled wool sweater.

The gang, can you spot the real "Movember"? Let me tell ya, we even danced with those felted beauties.

So- if you find yourself invited to a Movember event, you're crafty and don't being left out, a Felted 'stache is the way to go!

article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com 

The Electric Car- A Miracle Cure or Mirage?

A confession? I have an un-eco obsession with gas guzzling cars/trucks. Although speed is great, it's not lamborginis or Ferraris that do it, but those ridiculously large, duel-y diesel engine, quad cab pick-up trucks that make me drool. I want to drive one. I park my little fuel efficient jelly-bean of a car next to them. I have spent years mourning the loss of ever owning one (the Planet isn't worth it).

an example of my dream truck. I am a rural girl at heart.

Initially, like many environmentally conscious peeps, I was quite excited by the prospect that our second vehicle (once the Yaris goes caput in, say, another 5 years) will be electric. Nova Scotia is *so* car dependent that it's difficult to function outside of university without a car. Recently, it appears like perhaps the electric car is doing the whole "Phoenix from ashes", with governments and eco-organizations touting this rise as the miracle cure to all our carbon spewing woes.

(Nissan LEAF)

You don't have to give up your car-dependancy lifestyle- just plug 'er in! Guilt and carbon-free!

Except... is it really that simple?

According to Ecoholic, the average car produces between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds of climate-changing carbon dioxide every year. Along with carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons this toxic mess contribute in a big way to "smog" (which kills thousands a year in large cities).

The Nissan LEAF (recently introduced in Canada) has a grand total of ZERO emissions while operating. If we switched the majority of cars to electric vehicles we'd be saving our lungs from breathing in thousands upon thousands of pounds of toxins.

Beyond all the logistical "arguments" that I've heard (cost and lifespan of lithium battery, charging stations and infrastructure) which all have fabulous answers (at the end of the lifespan of the battery, 8-10 years, batteries will be cheaper, customer demand will result in infrastructure plus you can charge the car in a 120 voltage outlet anyway), there are some pretty serious *big picture* issues that need to be honestly addressed.

We are much too dependant on single occupant vehicle transportation. Despite all the progress with electric vehicles, the industry still needs quite a bit of research (longer lasting, more easily accessible and cheaper batteries, infrastructure etc) and lets be honest; the industry will take a good 10 years to make a significant switch. Do we really have 10 years to keep on our merry, polluting way?

It's concerning that so much energy be placed on the electric car as our climate change saviour- but at some distant future. Instead, our government could be encouraging use and improving public transportation and/or bicycle lanes. If the average driver travels less than 60 km a day, than a public transportation system that was efficient, clean and reliable would do just the trick.

Finally... we do conveniently forget where that electricity comes from. In Nova Scotia, most of the electricity is generated from coal plants. Although other provinces have better track records (New Brunswick actually has a few nuclear, zero emission, plants), we're far from "clean" energy.

(for a fantastic discussion on this topic, head over to radio-canada's Christiane Charette with Pierre Olivier-Pineau, professor at HEC and expert in energy politics as well as co-founder of Quebec's Green Party, Daniel Breton. The catch? It's in French...)

I am not anti-electric car by a long shot. I'm looking forward to the day when Andrew and I will have a single vehicle family electric car. However, the tempting lure of a miracle pill that would allow my lazy bum to continue driving, continue consuming is too misleading. A mirage in our floundering climate desert.

Start bicycling, start walking.

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Fun Eco-Treasures!

Being environmentally friendly can be pretty darn fun! Here are some fab recent finds to my eco-treasure trove:

 A beautiful wrap bracelet for my birthday from "Happy GoLicky". Made from hand-dyed silk and recycled silver. I've been drooling over this bracelet for months on Etsy, and the lovely Husband took the hint :)

 Gorgeous gold leafed birch bark earrings made by a local Haligonian Artist- Theresa Capell. Her etsy shop is filled with delicate beauties! I found my earrings at LoveMe Boutique!

 A vegan Matt&Nat utility belt. I love how there's recycled plastic AND that there are spots for "emergency crayons".

 Lily Lotus bamboo, made in USA fantabulous top. I adore this sparkly jewel. The second photo is the sparkles on the BACK of the shirt! Lily Lotus makes fun and fabulous yoga apparel and are extremely trendy here in Halifax. I found mine (and the Matt&Nat belt) at the lovely Bhavana Yoga Boutique.

There you have it!


Article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Eco-Friendly Winter Jackets

Although we've been having mild November weather (to the point that we could have had YITP this month if I had planned time!), cold Canadian winter is fast approaching.

Since I'll be walking 20 minutes to and from the ferry each day again in December, I need to dress warmly. Unfortunately my winter casual doesn't usually include pencil skirts and funky tights for this reason.

Fortunately, the Haligonian winters tend to only start in January.... which potentially means some money saving time to invest in a long lasting, environmentally friendly and fabulous looking coat. Since my last winter jacket was purchased over three years ago, I know I'm not hard on my jackets. They should last years.

Looking into purchasing an environmentally friendly, warm and affordable jacket can get complicated. Many companies may have recycled aspects to their jackets, however most are 'water resistent' or 'water proof'. In order to get them this way, the companies have to spray and treat them with a 'durable water-repellent finish' (DWR) which are typically made with PFOA- the scary non-stick chemical that is polluting people and water globally.

Companies like Patagonia have some recycled polyester options, but the jackets are coated with H2No waterproof coating.... which most likely contains PFOAs. Also, it's very important to read the fine print when considering winter jackets- for example vegans should consider that many jackets are 'European Goose Down' filled (Like the Tres Parka) and not all jackets have recycled polyester.

Aritzia has some neat hemp jackets. However it would appear to be only their 'community' line and there isn't any product information beyond that there is some hemp in the jacket.

Hoodlamb.... eco-gorgeousness:

My favourite option if I had a winter jacket faery OR unlimited funds would be a Hoodlamb coat. These long and short coats are BEAUTIFUL. Unfortunately they are also about 500$ Canadian (saving my pennies!). The long jacket outershell is made from hemp and organic cotton, inner lining cruelty-free fur, hemp, recycled PET and acryl. Outer shell is actually treated with eco-friendly 'hemp organic cellulose' treatment. The short jacket doesn't appear to have this fabulous eco-friendly coating.

(ok, do you LOVE this flag or what?)

Some of their coats support 'Sea Shepherd', an international non-profit marine wildlife organization aimed to end the destruction of ocean habitat and wildlife. (Sea Shepherd website). They're kinda badass, very guerrilla yoga, which I like!

From their site:

'Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.  

Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations'

What about you dear reader? Have any non-PFOA, vegan and eco-friendly coat options?

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Endorsing a Yoga Mat as Spiritual: Mr. Friend and Manduka

Have you seen the new Anusara+Manduka marketing team up? Ya know, the latest AMAZING BEST EVER yoga mat? The SOUL MAT. (ok, I just threw up a little bit in my mouth, let's be honest).

I'm disappointed. Although I'm not really an Anusara Yogini, I like the explicit environmental commitment. After a few supposed 'eco' yoga mat debacles (TPE nonsense and poorly made rubber mat) I was pleasantly surprised by a discounted prAna Revolution mat offer that I couldn't refuse. I adore rubber mats, but they come at a premium.

Over a year later and I still adore my ridiculously large Revolution Mat. In my opinion, if you want a mat, rubber mats are the way to go re: environmentally friendly and amazing utility as a mat (i.e. grip, longevity and care). 

However, I adore this mat DESPITE it's ginormous size. Honestly, I never need all that space on my mat. Although it feels like luxury to have it, I feel a bit pretentious rolling it out in a class. The mat doesn't fit in any of my yoga mat bags and I really don't want to have to buy or make one special for the size. It's also extremely heavy and difficult to bring to the park via bicycle. 

Also, I agreed to this mat DESPITE the silly, over the top, embarrassing marketing video by prAna and John Friend. I couldn't believe that the people in that mat-video took themselves seriously. I also resent the fact that entire companies are working to make disposable products somehow essential and-or spiritual. BUY BUY BUY. And if the regular advertising doesn't work- make the yogi feel like the product is SPIRITUAL. 

The new John Friend+Manduka mat? It feels a bit forced, and much more obvious that having one AMAZING spiritual mat isn't enough (plus, despite all that media, consumer foofoo, I think the revolution mat is a good environmental choice). Instead of pushing and creating an environmental alternative to the 'Black Mat', which is made from PVC, John Friend is encouraging yogis to purchase a LARGER, re: more PVC, mat. 

If we take a quick peek over at prAna- do we notice that the Revolution mat is no longer an 'Anusara' mat?? Interesting.

The eKo John Friend mat is a 'travel' mat. Please infer- "Not your everyday mat, but an extra mat that you buy to travel". The non-essential mat is the one that is environmentally friendly. Even though the eco-thing to do would be to NOT purchase another mat, please purchase this extra mat and feel less guilty because it's 'eco'. Sorry- 'eKo'.

Finally- let's get real here. John Friend is not partnering with a yoga mat company for shits and giggles. Quote from video:

"When I was conceiving the mat, it's not just for my own practice. I thought 'This will be a mat for everybody" (that part even had little cute squiggly writing on the screen). It really comes out of wanting the student, each student, to have a deep experience of their own goodness, greatness, their own beauty"

Ummmm. That is total bs. If he really wanted to create a mat that would 'benefit the most students' as he says earlier in the video, he'd create an affordable and can we even say FREE. Instead this 'for every student' stuff, the manduka 'essential' mat is 95$. 

'nuff said.

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Ghost Bikes

Ghost bikes. Have you seen them? Today, a strangely warm Haligonian day, I had quite a bit of driving to do for work and noticed many bicycles out and about. (As a side note, have you been outside on a warm-ish fall day and felt "I could TOTALLY be practicing yoga outside today. I wish I wasn't working"? Today was one of those days. It's almost problematic where I get a vivid image of what I would be wearing, how it would feel, the air against my skin during warrior II. Distracting.).

(Ghost Bike, photo credit)

Halifax has a Ghost Bike on North Street (click here for a picture) and it honestly did seem to appear out of nowhere. A tiny traffic island right off the MacDonald Bridge and there is a painted white bicycle with a small plaque. According to the GhostBike.org site:

"Ghost bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel."

A bit of creative searching, it would appear the Ghost Bike is the result of the bicycle death of Michael Brooker in 2007. I'm not 100% sure, but it would appear a purple bicycle was locked to a telephone poll and the public participated in painting it white as a community act of memorial.

That small area isn't the best place to pull over to take a picture.

A lot has changed in the past 4 years since his death, but bicycling in Halifax is still risky business. Sustainability demands less reliance on climate changing, air polluting automobiles (did you know that acid rain has slowly been on the rise?).

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Yoga Drive Implosion- YDI

I have a confession: there are certain situations surrounding yoga that cause heightened levels of frustration and, let's be honest here, anger. I've mentioned this before- there is nothing that pushes my anger/frustration button than being unable to get to a yoga class in time (either because I can't physically find the space or because of traffic).

This typically results in my arriving at the studio after spending a good chunk of time swearing and yelling and gesturing frantically in the car while Andrew looks on in a concerned fashion (ok, I am not unstable, we all have our buttons right?).

Some yoga studios in Halifax are virtually unaccessible sans car... and it just feels so wrong to hop in my carbon spewing car (no matter how efficient it is), spend 20min driving and contributing to carbon dioxide count in the air for a yoga class where I will attempt to spend 60-90min "connecting" with myself and my planet. 

If I have to drive to yoga class, I'm already a bit on edge. Follow that up with a good dose of "where's the yoga studio??", add in "Type A Yogini" and you've got a fabulous result.

Tonight, Andrew and I were going all the way out in Dartmouth to All Yoga for a Karma class supporting Make-A-Wish Foundation. Unfortunately, we got completely lost and spent over an hour driving before we found the studio. At that point I was so tense and angry, the fact that the studio door was locked was the icing on the cake. So- we took our 20$ and my business card (I was expected to show up for this class), slipped them under the door so we were still contributing and went home. 

Driving for no reason. Almost as bad as idling the car while waiting for something.

I've found the best way to burn off frustration? Sweaty Yoga. 

So- I rolled out my mat and practiced until my brain and body were tired. As winter grows nearer, I'm finding my spirit and body are craving a more intense, steam blowing practice. Thank goodness when I actually DO find the studio in time there's a yoga practice as a result to stave off the "Yoga Drive Implosion" or "YDI".

Anyone else feeling this?

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Balancing DIY Without Becoming a Packrat

Being a tree hugging, environmentally awesome co-unit (Andrew and I) has it's pluses. Such as saving money, increasing our air quality and health and saving the planet.

(Ok, I know we're not this bad; but HGTV's 'Consumed' was making me nervous)

Something I've begun to struggle with, however, is the clutter. Andrew and I live in 700 square feet, which is actually a nice improvement from our previous Halifax apartment of 500. We have virtually zero storage, though, as we live in a 150yr+ heritage building.

I keep seeing these amazing DIY upcycled objects finding uses for old, non-used or broken items and I think: 'Wow, I could do that!'. For example, using spare fabric to make a yoga mat bag, or keeping gift bags to re-use for birthdays or Yule.

So, about a year ago I started saving these little random bits of things in case I might use them some day. Such as little bits of ribbons, old jewelry or beads, gift bags and envelopes, pretty boxes and binders. And clothing- I save clothing. Unfortunately my job requires that I look very professional. Currently I'm running a preschool teacher training 12 week intensive program (Apprendre à parler avec plaisir-LLLI), presenting at community events twice this month and traveling across the province to consult. This means my regular 'dress pants+nice ish shirt' doesn't cut it anymore. So I need to renew my wardrobe more often.

Keeping these little bits of things and clothing is great, in theory. It means these things don't go in the landfill. I'm being frugal and potential will save money with my craftiness.

However, we've reached the point of clutter. I have no room to store all this extra potential 'stuff' anymore. Everywhere I look there are little random bits waiting to be eco-fied. Ribbons, papers, envelopes. Spread out in whatever drawer, basket or shelf that has some available space. We're not crazy packrat status (yet), but it was starting to get obviously cluttered.

We barely have enough room for our clothing in our one (of two) closets we have in the apartment, let alone trying to organize an enviro-stash of DIY wannabes.

Therefore, two weeks ago I took a deep breath and LET GO of this expectation. In my current living space I cannot realistically keep all reusable items in the hope of one day upcycling and being uber Eco Yogini. Andrew and I went through our clothing and made three piles: toss (only a few stained and ripped items), donate to Value Village and donate to the women's transition house. We filled two recycling bags (we don't own large black trash bags).

That part was relatively easy, minimal landfill. It's the extra random bits of 'stuff' that I have trouble letting go- as 'letting go' equals for the most part= trash.

Anyone else feeling the clutter-upcycle DIY precarious balance? If you live in a no storage space, how do you deal? Prioritizing or accepting the limitations of small space?

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Ujiai to survive blood work and roller coasters: Yoga off the mat

Within months of my introduction to yoga, I was already using one yoga principle regularly off the mat... Ujiai breathing. While I practice, Ujiai helps me focus and direct my energy to meditate in movement, to make it through a difficult practice and to assure that I don't just hold my breath and pass out (hah).

Interestingly enough, that audible breathing technique (like fogging up a mirror, but with your mouth closed) can be useful in other difficult, painful and/or scary situations. Such as waxing, needles, roller coasters and getting blood work done.

Today was a blood work day. The last time was four years ago, where I also used Ujiai breathing so I wouldn't vomit and/or pass out in front of the seniors. Thankfully, as it did then, it was also successful today (that and Andrew was there to hold my hand).

Interestingly enough, other types of breath constriction combined with speaking- like whispering, where your vocal folds (cords), are brought together close enough to vibrate while allowing air to scrape past, can be harmful to these precious communication musical instruments in your throat. Whispering is bad for your vocal cords- don't do it.

Thankfully we don't use Ujiai breath all day, otherwise it would also become damaging to our precious vocal folds. (Yoga instructors out there: please don't model Ujiai breath during your classes, combined with your "yoga teaching" voice, it's most likely damaging!).

So, my first  off the mat yoga practice has helped me get through various scary and painful situations. Thank you Ujiai breath.

What was your first Yoga off the mat moment?

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com