Tag Archives: optimizing experience

Power down for downward dog

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I recently read an article where a New York Times writer remarks on how yoga typically gives her anxiety because she wonders how long she has to stay in position before she can check her twitter feed. It occurred to me that she’s exactly the type of person that would reap some of yoga’s greatest benefits.

hathayogadotcom-unplugging

One side bonus of practicing yoga is being away from all external demands, all distractions, all social media. Sure, many of us rely on staying as connected as possible for our work. But if we’re not dealing with a life and death situation, it would help us a great deal if we allow ourselves to unplug for at least Continue reading →

Yoga mat backpack by Aurorae

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UPDATE: Aurorae just announced that this yoga mat backpack is now available in three additional new colors; gold, taupe, and grey. I like them A LOT!  Nice!

I’m super excited to review this yoga mat backpack. It’s Aurorae’s Crossbody Sling Backpack, and I continue to be impressed with their products. It’s obviously designed by people who understand how to lighten the load when traveling to and from yoga class.

Aurorae yoga mat backpack

Since it’s a yoga mat backpack, it’s more than just a simple tote for your mat. It’s smaller than a standard backpack, but you can still fit Continue reading →

“Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

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I just finished the book “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (Yes, that is the correct spelling. Yes, it’s impossible to pronounce!). Wow, what an amazing book. It’s a challenging read, but incredibly rewarding. Pretty much all 240 pages are packed with really profound insights on how to be happy. I wish someone would write “Flow For Dummies”!

"Flow" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Flow occurs when you’re doing an activity where the challenge matches your skill. When that happens the focus required absorbs you completely. When you’re playing tennis and you’re totally involved in the game, that’s a flow activity. You forget everything else but the game. That’s flow.

Yoga is arguably one of the best flow activities, and the book has a section specifically on flow and yoga. But almost anything can be a flow activity, from sports to music to reading.  If it’s something you enjoy focusing on, it can be a flow activity.

Flow makes you happy

In spite of all the wonders of modern technology, humans aren’t any happier now than they have been throughout history. We are healthier and live longer, but we aren’t happier. So what can we do about it? Csikszentmihalyi shows that how often Continue reading →