Below is a list of terms that I use with an assumption that you are familiar with them. I hope this cheat sheet helps you feel more familiar and less afraid of the practice of yoga.
Most Common
YOGA
Yoga: a way of being. Literally yoga is how you relate to the world around you, in the West we have made yoga about a physical practice but in reality, it is a whole life practice, body, mind, soul. The definition is to bind or yoke together. Hence, we are yoking our body, minds, and souls, and then our connection to the world around us.
MEDITATION
Meditation: a quieting and focusing of the mind. There are many forms of meditation and I do my best to dabble in each of them to help you find the meditation practice that best benefits you right now (this changes all the time and that is ok).
PROPS
Props: these are tools that help benefit your practice. Common props are blocks, straps, pillows, and blankets. I am a firm believer in using props as often as possible. I want your practice to be of ease. There is a list of my favorite props on the further down this page. If you don’t have any “official” props below are substitutions.
Blocks: Anything sturdy that can help the ground come to you (hardback books, cans, etc.)
Straps: Anything flexible to help bring your body closer to you (belts, therabands, etc.)
Pillows: Anything to help soften the ground beneath you (bed or through pillows, etc.)
PHYSICAL ASANA
Asana: this is the physical act of doing yoga poses. This is also commonly referred to as a “practice.”
PRANAYAMA
Pranayama: is your breath work. Breathing is the first thing we do when we enter this world and the last thing we do when we leave. It is literally, our life force. There are many types of breathing practices and we will dabble in them all. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know everything to get started, that is why I am here, to show you.
SAVASANA
Savasana: literally corpse pose. This is typically the final pose of each practice but sometimes it is the entire practice. I believe that this is the most important physical asana (see above if you forgot what that means) of the entire yogic practice. To be actively at rest is to be in a divine state (in my opinion). And my personal life goal is to be in communication and connection with my divine power.
WAY OF BEING
Way of Being: how you relate to the world around you. This is your way of approaching life decisions, other humans, and conversations with yourself.
My Faves
YOGA MAT
Mat: Manduka Pro Lite. It is an easy to use mat that doesn’t need a lot to be broken in and can be cleaned with vinegar water and essential oils.
YOGA STRAP
Strap: I prefer a longer strap so the Tumaz 10 feet is the best for me. You can always have extra but not enough is, well, not enough.
YOGA BOLSTER
Bolster: I rarely use a bolster because pillows from around the house work just as well but if you want the gear the Gaiam Rectangular Meditation Pillow is great.
YOGA BLOCK
Block: Hugger Mugger 3″ Foam Block. It is heavy and can withstand full body weight. It’s fairly thick so it helps provide optimal balance.
YOGA BLANKET
Blanket: I prefer a wool hand woven blanket (typically come in a serape design) that is thick enough to provide comfort if you are lying on it and heavy enough to help you feel warm if using to wrap up in savasana.