Physically, the core-which includes the abdominals, lower back, and pelvic floor-stabilizes the spine, protects the lower back, and improves posture by helping to maintain the natural curvature of the spine. A stable core lets you move safely and steadily, whether you're working out or moving through everyday life.
"To become fully mature as human persons, we must bring to life within ourselves the dynamics that fashioned the cosmos. We must become these cosmic dynamics and primordial powers in a new human form. That is our task: to create the human form of the central powers of the cosmos.... The powers that build the universe are ultimately mysterious, issuing forth from and operating out of mystery. They are the most awesome and numinous reality in the universe. Humans are these dynamics brought into self-awareness.'
Some years ago, I was working at my desk and realized that I had misplaced a bill that was due. While I anxiously searched for it, my then 4-year-old daughter came into the room and asked for my attention. I said that I was busy looking for something important and to come back later. In a few minutes she returned and asked quietly, "Have you found yourself yet, Mommy?" I was humbled by her question.
Lauren, a Los Angeles yoga teacher, slipped in a lunge while teaching and injured her ankle. Because she's a practice-through-the-pain kind of yogi, she didn't even stop to assess the injury before continuing her class. When she finally got to the doctor, she discovered she would have to stay off the ankle for at least a month. For Lauren, this triggered a deep identity crisis.
So when my wife suggested I spend $90 on a natural rubber yoga mat like the one she had, I balked. Is that really necessary? It turns out the answer was yes. Ten years later, I'm still using the JadeYoga Harmony mat I sprang for, and I'm no longer a skeptic, I'm an evangelist. Natural rubber provides enough cushion for comfort, enough grip to safely push my limits, and the durability of a truck tire.
Practicing outdoor yoga while camping can serve to deepen this relaxation—but it does come with some considerations. It’s all about working with, rather than against, your environment.
