giving yoga its props

Continuing the DIY theme, there are many other easy to make yoga props.  Wooden blocks are a good one to start with because they can often be had for free. Take a trip to your local lumber yard and check out the cut-ends and scraps.  There will often be pieces that are the perfect size for blocks, or that you can easily ask to have cut to the perfect size. (There really is no "perfect" size, but anything 2.5"x5"x9" or bigger will work.)  A little sanding to smooth any roughness, and voila, your handmade set of blocks.  Bonnie's desert blocks are a perfect example.

Along with blocks, straps are probably the most used prop in yoga.  Sophie has experimented with various material and closure combinations.  The yellow strap is tubular nylon with ladderlock, the blue strap is nylon webbing with ladderlock, and the black strap is also nylon webbing with snap release. Sophie doesn't recommend the webbing - it's hard on your hands. The tubular nylon is nice and soft. It would probably work well with  D rings. Everything is bartacked for stitching, and the ends seared to prevent unravelling.  A good online source for strap material and clasps is Textile Outfitters

There is nothing quite like an eyebag to take your savasana up a notch. Choose a fabric that will feel nice against your skin, like smooth silk or velvet.  Cut two pieces no smaller than 4"x8" and sew them together with a .5" seam leaving one short end open to put in the filling. Flax seeds are the most popular filling, and if you don't mind scent, it's nice to add some dried lavender blossoms.  Rice and lentils also work.  Don't stuff the bag too full, you want the filling material to be fluid. 

Another simple "fill a bag" project is a sandbag.  A sandbag adds a gentle weight to your body that can help with release and relaxation. Sophie's sandbags have an inner bag of very tightly woven nylon to keep the sand from leaking out. But since that's slippery when you use it, she also made an outer cover of cotton. They close with snap tape. Fill the bag with about 5lbs of clean sand (aquarium sand is nice and clean). A handle can be added to make them easier to move. Again, it is important that the sand have room to move within the bag.

Zafus and zabutons are associated with meditation and are also useful in yogasana. There are already good online instructions for making these yourself:
Make your own zafu and zabuton 
Make your own zafu or seiza bench
Instructions for a simple meditation cushion

Comments

[vivage]

Lila,
Beautiful blog. I love blogging and I love seeing others blogs as well. I'm finding some great info on yours (I'm going to use the harness for myself!). I'm bookmarking yours so I can continue reading as you post.

Keep up the really great work, and lets OM together!
xo, vv

[vivage]

Dang it! I meant to fix the name to Lianne but posted before I did. Trigger finger! Can't edit it so I hope you'll forgive the error of my ways. xo

[Grandstaff]

Lianne,

Glad I followed your link from MIS over here... I love the DIY theme. That is what YOGA is all about, enabling your Self. :-)

Part of the reason why I find YJ such a turn-off anymore is the constant selling. As if we needed to buy something to have a developing yoga practice. I like your message much better: How determined are you, how involved? Would you like to try this?

Keep up the good work, the fun, the sense of exploration!

Namaste~