Saucha: Cleanliness & Purity

Cleanliness of the body, mind, spirit, and your surroundings. In light of the recent happenings, I thought I would send out a little post about props and supplies at yoga classes. These are the things we should be doing all the time, but we might have gotten a bit lax.

As a traveling teacher, it’s hard for me to keep everything clean and, let’s be honest, it’s impossible to maintain sterility. A few things of note, there are always Lysol wipes and mat spray with my props to wipe down blocks and mats. They are for you to use. Please use Lysol right now if you borrow and mat or block; please return them wiped down. You might want to Lysol wipe or mat spray props before you use mats or blocks (just in case).

Straps and blankets are taken home to be washed, but not after every use. Blankets are rotated through cleaning, but are not washed after every use. Please be mindful when using blankets that they don’t touch your face, for your health as well as others. Straps are also not washed after every use, they go home every few months for a good washing.

Eye covers are always washed after every use. It’s one of the reasons I use wash clothes in my classes. Please feel comfortable using eye covers.

This might be a good time to consider purchasing your own mat, strap, two blocks, and a blanket (the Mexican woven blankets are perfect for practice and not too expensive). You can expect to spend around $40 for a set of good props. Mats run anywhere from $10 to over $100. I will continue to have mats and props on hand for you to use, but remember that these are shared supplies.

This is not to feed the fears, but to remind us of the practical side of our Saucha practices. Cleanliness and purity have deep subtle aspects for mind, body, and spirit, but sometimes it’s about keeping your space and stuff clean. Especially if it’s shared.

Bonus: three tips for staying healthy (I mean, other than doing yoga):

1. A daily ten rounds of breath of joy. Even better, practice two to three times a day. Preferably outside in the fresh air.
2. Nasya oil your nose*. Add a little sesame or Nasya oil to the inside of your nose to discourage bugs and to lubricate the passages for optimum health.
3. Chywanprash*. It’s an herbal jam made with the superfood/fruit Amalaki. It is a super immune boost–all the way down to your Ojas. Eat by the spoonfuls. It’s my number one immune boost go to. It is extra’specially delicious when rolled into balls or spread into sheets, covered in chocolate, and sprinkled with Himalayan pink salt. (I don’t have a recipe, just play with it. Hint: think freezer for that unruly jam).
4. Eat honey. One spoonful a day supports the lungs and respiratory system during the transition into spring.

#4 was your bonus bonus.

Eat well, move well, hydrate well, manage stress (breathe), and don’t feed the fears.

*5% of any items purchased through the Banyan Links on my website will go to the Yoga Teacher Trainings Scholarship Funds.