LETTER #1: Letter To My Yoga Mat
Sixteen Years and a Cork Mat Later…
Happy 1st Sunday of the month, everyone!
I’m taking a quiet moment this morning with my tea and my mat, reflecting on years of practice, growth and the little stories that have shaped my yoga journey.
Sixteen years ago, I bought my first yoga mat, knowing very little about mats or the practice ahead. Back then, mats weren’t expensive and I didn’t think much beyond having a space to move and breathe.
Over the years, I tried a few mats, each with its own story. One was a cork mat, widely promoted and beautiful in its earthy colour. I loved it; until I didn’t. After a few uses, my eczema flared badly on my hands and feet. It took weeks, creams, and even specialist visits to realize that my sweat and the cork layers were the culprit. Once I stopped using it, the irritation slowly faded and I could return to my practice without worry.
After completing my 200-hour certification in 2015, I invested in a good quality mat; a significant step up from my earlier ones. Ten years on, it’s still with me, faithful and reliable. My blue mat rides with me everywhere in my car booth, ready for practice wherever I go.
At home, I have a purple mat for my personal sessions, a little floral one I take to the gym and a few light weight mats for travels. Each mat holds its own memories and energy.
These mats aren’t just equipment. They’re a witness to my growth, my stillness, my struggles and my joys.
This quiet Sunday morning, as I sip my tea and roll out my mat, I feel the familiar texture under my hands and the gentle resistance beneath me.
The soft morning light, the stillness around me; it all brings me back to presence, to gratitude, and to the simple joy of being here, now.
“Grateful for my mat who’s my daily teacher, and the witness to every small victory and discovery.”
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone and may your reflections bring you peace and presence today.
