Yoga accessories

What are yoga accessories?

Yoga accessories are as about eclectic as those that practice yoga!

They range from the essential to the frivolous and fun. Beginning yoga it can be a mystery as to what is needed in way of accessories. So we lay out some of the most essential yoga accessories along with bits of impulse necessity that may be fancied from time to time!

There are some styles of yoga that emphasise certain yoga accessories more than others. In truth, if it helps with your practice use it. Since yoga is about making it as accessible as possible to adopt postures and bring the body into a state of calm and stillness for moving into meditation, then whatever aids that process is helpful.

What do I need?

The Essentials

Yoga mat - this to all intents and purposes is a must. Whether it be a standard non slip mat, ultra sticky or even an Indian yoga rug mat, a good surface that supports postures and safe to work on, is essential.

The beauty about having one's own mat is the fact that purely by laying it down on the studio floor, beach, back yard, park - or wherever - the intention to focus, become immersed and attuned to your yoga space in preparation for practice is signified. It sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps create just the right mental state for a session.

A yoga mat almost says -"OK - here we are, focus, centre and let's expand body and consciousness and enjoy!" It becomes, if you will, your constant companion for practice and a symbol of your dedication to yoga. Go check out our range of superb mats

Yoga Mat bags - although not considered absolutely essential by some, they are really one of the more useful yoga accessories.
Looking after your greatest support and primary investment in yoga is only right. Whether it's travelling to a class across town or trekking down to the beach, it is so much more comforting to know that whatever may happen, the bag keeps your yoga mat clean, dry, protected and is also able to hold other essentials needed for practice - like water bottle, notes and belts. Taking care of No.1 is imperative - No 2 - your mat, is an intrinsic part of that care! - that they can be incredibly chic is a bonus - see our bags review
Blocks, belts and support - these are great and are certainly essential for beginners and adepts alike. They allow postures to be adopted by beginners, helping them move into an attainable modified position. They also afford those wishing to deepen their postural work, to be well supported in the practice - Check out belts.

Although many people associate blocks and supports with B.K.S.Iyengar and his style of Iyengar yoga, it is fair to say that supports are generally great for helping the stiff, newly acquainted body to adapt itself to postures- allowing the teacher and student alike to demonstrate and experience the benefits of the asanas (yoga positions) at whatever level. An essential in yoga accessories.

Belts, bricks and blocks open up the possibilities of allowing the body to stretch and go deeper in safety and confidence. Check out blocks and the different uses that can be employed- but be careful - the colours may surprise you!

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Yoga DVDs and videos - are the entry point for many who come to yoga. Often a celebrity produced video or DVD draws the prospective yoga enthusiast to buy 'the video'. As much as it is great to have the P.R. of celebs trumpeting benefits and wonders of yoga, they often suffer in their presentational style and over production, where the teaching suffers at the expense of content.
We have therefore collected a selection which, in our opinion, is an excellent range of teaching DVDs and videos. Clear and concise, they make the beginner and adept alike comfortable in following yoga instruction to aid their practice. Check out DVDs and Videos
Meditation aids and tools - After the physical practice the body is well prepared to move into silent sitting, a period of contemplation, relaxation or meditation. To enable this state to be maximised there are all sorts of tools and aids that can be considered.

Some people feel meditation cannot be addressed without a great deal of ritual and preparation. Of course the object of the physical posture work is to enable the body and mind to settle and come into balance. This prepares us well for the meditation experience - yet possibly the most important element to bring to it is - intention . Letting go of how it 'should or ought to be' - just being in one's space helps nurture the meditative state!

Jack Kornfield's excellent teachings and approach to meditation are an excellent starting point for beginners and current meditators alike.

To enhance the atmosphere, energise space and allow the senses to quieten, incense adds a richness and a reminder of the 'special' and sacred space created - not only for meditation but also during a yoga session. Incense around the home can be stimulating and a great mood enhancer.

Soothing, relaxing music is a helpful yoga accessory - used for background mood or as a tool for attaining a more profound meditation experience, it helps the overall atmosphere and mood.

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Listen to some really evocative and uplifting examples in our artist collection.

Sitting comfortably is a prerequisite for the body to become still and not suffer distraction. Whether it be mats, cushions or meditation seats to help settle into a positive state of meditation, comfort in the sitting department is essential! - Check out some great sitting solutions.

Mandalas, Posters and cards - The sort of yoga accessories that help to encourage, remind and inspire us on the path.

Yantra is a geometric representation of the levels and energies of the cosmos and human body. These exquisite designs are used to meditate on and their sacred geometric ratios and form represent the entirety of creation in its many forms, both within the macrocosm and microcosm. Mandala

By meditating on these symbols Yantra yoga allows the individual to release the constrictions of inner and outer form.

Inspirational images that uplift and encourage have an equal effect in inspiring and aiding our endeavours.

We have collected what inevitably becomes an ever growing collection of Yantra, posters and cards that are beautiful, inspiring and breathtaking. See the Poster Collection and cards
sunstar mandala
The mandalas and cards here are beautiful and will transport you into a deeply relaxing and meditative place. Use them to help and encourage contemplation and meditation or just hang on the wall

The Really Useful, Frivolous and Fun Yoga Accessories

The one thing about the yoga life is that it has to be fun.

It's somewhat self defeating if it becomes so serious that all humour is lost. The ancient yoga sages discovered in their meditations on mountain tops and hidden caves that one of the 108 names of the divine was humour and laughter, so who are we to argue?

And nothing makes us happier than when we feel and look good. Yoga jewellery seems to have that effect. Bangles, baubles let's party - check out our yoga jewellery.

Yoga Gifts - one of the most rewarding things in life is to be able to give. Whether it be by way of selfless service, support, loving kindness or an inspiring and beautiful gift, the joy and gratitude that an act of giving brings makes life and the world a little brighter and warmer even in deepest winter.

We have gathered a joyful, useful and very functional collection of gifts. Of course all these have been carefully selected to reflect our concern for sustainability, fair trade and respect for all beings. Check out our yoga gifts

Books - There are many books on yoga that help understand and deepen the practice. The philosophy behind yoga is profound and enlightening - literally!

Books by those who have travelled the road offer comfort, support and insight into life's mysteries. There is a veritable cornucopia of literature for everything around body mind health. We cannot say that our collection is a definitive selection but certainly what we have to offer is what has moved and inspired us over the years. May it feed the mind and fill the heart.

Burrow into the books section

Essential props and peripherals to expand the experience

Essential props and peripherals
to expand the experience