Blindfold Yoga

I have always dreamt of doing yoga blindfolded. To my mind, yoga with your eyes closed would mean that as a practitioner, you have acquired the mental fortitude to control your body's movements. Minus the sense of sight, I also imagine that paying attention to the breath would not only be facilitated but enjoyable as well (just like during seated meditation?).

So it was so gratifying to learn from my teacher Connie Ponce that one of my all-time Ashtangi idols--John Scott--practises in this manner. Watch John during a recent workshop in Oslo where he demonstrates the Sun Salutations and other Primary Series poses blindfolded. Later, John conducts the class and instructs participants to keep their eyes shut.

Can't wait. Am counting the months, weeks and days. Om.

Natural Wonders

Would like to share a few of my favourite things that have been indispensable to my yoga practice. What makes them extra-special is that they are all homegrown products.

A local counterpart of the Maine-based Burt's Bees popular for its lotions, lip balms and other natural remedies, Ilog Maria- a bee farm located in Cavite- is near and dear to me because of its Propolis Cider Liniment (100ml). It has become a staple of mine ever since I discovered it in the changing room in Yoga Manila's Perea shala where it is a permanent fixture. It is applied for overnight relief of persistent aches, pains, sore tendons and muscles. It is recommended to soak the affected area with very hot water then slightly dry with a towel but leave a little moist. Vigorously rub into affected area. Then cover with an elastic bandage or towel. But all I do is just rub a small amount where it hurts-usually on my knees and ankles. Made from propolis gold, honey cider vinegar, camphor and peppermint oil. According to Peachie Kilayko, this was the "signature scent" of the Manila contingent training at Yoga Thailand in 2005.

Dharma, is a company which makes products by yogis, for yogis. I simply love its The Great Garbha Spray. It holds true to its claim of "helping you get slippery for Garbha Pindasana". And it smells great too, it's made with Lavender pure essential oils, triple distilled water, glycerine and vitamin E. Dharma's Peppermint Yoga Mat Spray is another favourite. It promises to banish dirt, smell, body oils and odors. The natural disinfectant properties of peppermint pure essential oil keeps yoga mats clean and fresh smelling. The product can also be used as hand sanitizer.

Alternately, fellow YM practitioners swear by Messy Bessy's The Little Warrior-which is marketed as a germ-busting multi-tasking sidekick that can be used as a hand sanitizer, disinfectant, room spray and surface cleaner. The company uses only SAFE, NON-TOXIC, ALL NATURAL, BIODEGRADABLE ingredients such as Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Distilled White Vinegar, and Essential Oils.

These products are available from the companies themselves and are also sold at the Eco Store and ECO Market which coincidentally are co-owned by Jeannie Javellosa, another Yoga Manila instructor.