I thought it would be helpful to create a yoga resource page that you can always come to for all of your yoga, meditation, and peaceful needs. I’ll add to it as I learn more, but you’ll notice that in the future I will reference this page quite often. I recommend bookmarking it for your reference and convenience. Enjoy!
Disclosure: Some of these are affiliate links, but all are fabulous. These companies and products have all improved my practice and lifestyle in some way. I recommend these because of how they’ve helped me, and I think they’d be just as helpful to you.
My Favorite Yoga & Meditation Products:
For Your Practice:
Manduka Black Mat Pro: If I was stranded on a desert island, and I could only bring three things, what would they be, you ask? I’m not sure what the other two would be, but the first thing would be my Manduka Black Mat Pro. Seriously, my life transformed once I switched to this mat. My practice improved, and for some reason I was just happier! The truth is, it’s the best quality mat you’ll find. They have a lifetime guarantee, and I doubt you’ll ever have to use it. They come in other colors, but the black is classic.
The To & Fro Yoga Mat Bag: If you’re going to be traveling with your yoga mat, you’re going to need a bag. Why not an eco-friendly one? This is what I use when I’m traveling across the world, or even from home to studio.
Mysore Rug: These are traditionally used in Ashtanga yoga, and legend says that these were used as mats (before mats were invented) for Yoga practice in India. They’re placed over the mat to prevent slipping. Some people put it on the mat from the very beginning. I use it right when I begin the seated postures. The material adds extra cushion for sitting postures and better traction and stability for standing postures. The Darjeeling is my favorite.
Zafu Meditation Cushion: I LOVE my meditation cushion. If I sit for too long without a cushion, then my hips start to hurt. Sometimes my lower back aches after awhile too. I like to sit as long as I can without moving, so this cushion is a life saver. I can sit with a straight spine and relax the hips. Plus, it’s firm but super comfy. I linked you up to the exact one I have!
The Eko Lite Travel Yoga Mat: Unless I’m going on a yoga retreat, I don’t travel with my black mat pro anymore. It’s just too heavy to lug around on my shoulder through the airport. This travel mat is just as awesome by Manduka as well. It folds right in your suitcase. Whenever I’m going on a trip or traveling with family, this is what I bring. Traveling has never been easier.
YogiToes Rug: This is just another option in place of the Traditional Mysore Rug. These are Manduka’s answer for non slipping, and they work just as well. My favorite is the vintage peacock and the chakra collection. It’s really just about personal preference. I didn’t want to leave these out because they work, and they’re just so pretty!
Bangalore Eye Pillow: A friend gave me this as a gift, and now I use it after my practice. It disturbs me if I can’t find it because it smells and feels great. It has a way of helping me tune everything out and go deeper into Savasana.
Mat Cleaner: Yep. Another Manduka product! This mat cleaner just works so well and smell so good. I’ve tried them all and the lavender rocks my world.
Yoga Kids Collection: I don’t have kids, but I just think this is so cute. Gaiam has a whole yoga kids collection. If you’re looking to get the kiddos into yoga, this might be your answer!
For Your Altar:
Nag Champa Incense : I kind of have withdrawals if I run out. I keep ’em stocked up. It smells so yummy.
Lotus Incense Burner: It just looks so pretty on an altar. It’s my personal preference, but maybe you like a wood burner, or a mini elephant?
Prayer Flags: I got mine from Nepal, but I’m sure these are just as good. It all depends the energy you bring to them!
Favorite Holistic Products
Ancient Organics Ghee: This ghee seriously has the best energy. It’s made while chanting mantras on full moons. The cows are grass fed, free roaming, and antibiotic and hormone free. It’s 100% organic, and just tastes so good. Plus, it’s SO good for you! Fun Fact: Most people think ghee is the same as clarified butter, but it’s not. The process of creating traditional clarified butter is complete once the water is evaporated and the fat is separated from the milk solids. However, the production of ghee includes simmering the butter along with the milk solids so that they caramelize, which makes it nutty-tasting and aromatic. (source is wikipedia. Don’t make fun).
Pitta Pacifying Oil: I use this to balance my doshas in the morning. I am heavy pitta, and I hold tension in my muscles and hold heat in the skin and body. I give myself a daily oil massage with this before my yoga practice because it’s cooling, and calms me throughout the day. You can also get massage oils specific to vata and kapha. There is a tridoshic oil as well called daily massage oil.
Mahanarayan Oil: This oil soothes sore and tense muscles and joints. I was really lucky that Banyan Bontanicals sent me a sample of this a few months ago. I was having awful neck pain due to stress. I used this oil along with hot baths and epsom salts and it helped greatly in the healing process.
Triphala: I saved the best for last! I swear by triphala. I drink a really hot triphala tea every night. Most people would complain about the taste, but I steep it with my favorite herbal tea so I don’t even really taste it. It helps balance all three doshas. Since I’ve been doing this, I feel lighter in the mornings, and I even crave healthier food. It keeps me regular, and I’m not scared to say it! Triphala is like magic 🙂
Acupressure Massage Mat: This is seriously one of my most favorite things ever. I was honestly just curious about it, so I ordered it. It seriously is a bed of nails, but it will put me right to sleep! If you’re brave, you can lay on it without a shirt, but I keep one on. Before bed, I lay my back on it, and I fall asleep like a baby. This is the only thing that cures my insomnia from my over active mind. I really recommend it for tension, headaches, and insomnia!
Constitution Quiz: Not sure if you’re vata, pitta, or kapha? Go ahead and take this online test to find out. Remember, answer honestly. The purpose is to bring you back to balance, and keep you balanced. Think carefully and answer truthfully.
Yoga Clothing
Gaiam: This company has been around since I can remember. They have everything from yoga, meditation, fitness, to everyday fashion. They’re classic, so you can’t go wrong.
Yoga Outlet: The best in discounted brand name clothing. They pretty much have everything, but marked down. If you’re looking to save, check here first.
Funky Yoga: Super fun, sexy, and hip yoga clothing. So glad I found this company!
Beyond Yoga: The most comfy yoga clothing you’ll find. I’m also excited because I’m under five feet and their pants actually fit me!
Yoga Accessories (mats, props, straps, statues, for the altar):
Barefoot Yoga: Mats, products, props, altar, and meditation items
Manduka Yoga: Mats, products, props.
Gaiam: Mats, products, clothing, fitness, kids, props, altar, and meditation items
Yoga Outlet: Mats, products, clothing, hot yoga, fitness, kids, props, altar, and meditation items
Buddha Groove: Statues, altar items, meditation items, mala beads, jewelry, zen gardens, books, prayer wheels
Holistic Living
Banyan Botanicals: This is my answer for anything ayurveda. I am obsessed with Banyan because they have the all kinds of healing herbs, oils, and natural products for health and healing. Whatever you need, they have a solution that treats your body with compassion. It’s all organic, sustainable, and affordable.
Mountain Rose Herbs : High quality organic bulk herbs, gourmet spices, loose leaf teas, essential oils, herbal extracts, and natural body care ingredients. All certified organic, fair trade, ethically wild harvested, & Kosher certified botanical products. Ahhhh-mazing!
Well Blends: This company was created by my dear friend Kristen Schneider. These are concentrated Ayurvedic blends that she mixes herself, with love. You can purchase curries, teas, masks, etc. Just purchase the blend, and then mix in the base, which would be milk or water. She didn’t ask or pay me to write this. I just love her stuff!
Aloha: Organic, vegan, free of anything artificial nutritional support to help maintain your already healthy lifestyle — plus it’s delicious!
Yoga Books
Below is list of yoga-minded books that I highly recommend! This includes books specifically about yoga, spirituality, philosophy, and natural health. This list is ongoing!
Audible Free Trial: If you’re one of those people who picks up a book to never finish it, then you’re gonna want to check out audible. Not all books are on audible, and not all books are meant for audio, but I totally recommend it for the ones that are!
For Yoga At Home:
Yoga Mala– Pattabhi Jois
Ashtanga Yoga Practice & Philosophy– Gregor Maehle
Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series – Gregor Maehle
Kino MacGregor: The Power of Ashtanga– Kino Macgregor
Books On Spiritual Development:
The Art Of Happiness – Dalai Lama
How To Practice The Way To A Meaningful Life – Dalai Lama
Zen Mind Beginners Mind – Shunryū Suzuki
The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level – Gay Hendricks
Awake In The World – Michael Stone
When Things Fall Apart– Pema Chodron
Now, Discover Your Strengths – Marcus Buckhingham & Donald Clifton
A Path With Heart – Jack Kornfield
Living Loving and Learning – Leo Buscaglia
Books On Philosophy:
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Satchidinada
The Mirror of Yoga – Richard Freeman
The Upanishads – Eknath Easwaran
The Deeper Dimension of Yoga: Theory and Practice – Georg Feuerstein
The Bhagavad Gita– Paul Mitchell