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12/30/2024

Mat Direction: Does it matter?

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As I've started diving deeper into my own yoga practice the question "Which way should my mat lay?" has repeatedly come to mind. So I did what anyone would do- I Googled it. 

There were many different reasons for why yogis and practitioners face their mat a certain direction. Some face their mat in whatever direction gives them room to move freely during physical practice. Others stood facing true north to welcome the sun, life, or connection to the universe to their practice. While a couple articles I read mentioning people who liked their mat to face East. This also welcomes the sun and Divine into their practice (whether meditative or physical). 
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Some directions seem to have similarities for why a mat or body faces a certain direction. Here is a review of my findings. 

Mat or Body facing North: Pulls one in the right direction of life. Welcomes stability, one to be unshakable, keeps goals in mind, and open's self up to guidance from the universe or Divine. 

Mat or Body facing East: Related to the mind - retention, memory, and meditation. It is also the direction the sun rises. So it welcomes sun light, guidance, and protection into one's life. For some it's the direction for prayer. 

Mat or Body facing South: Looks inside one's self. This direction you want to leave things behind. It also relates to sleeping or physical death (of the body). It's going within the individual. Said to be good for meditation when you need physical relaxation. 

Mat or Body facing West: Sun sets in the west. Leaving the day, fear, negativity, and other not so great happenings behind you. Find rest to refresh. 

Some last considerations:
​Don't get caught up if you can't physically have your mat facing a certain direction. 
​Spatial considerations are something to keep in mind.

If you're in a class you're not going to want to cause a fuss if the teacher has their mat facing a certain direction. They're setting their mat in the best direction for participants to see and hear them.

When in your own space feel free to take a moment, get quiet, and come into awareness. This will allow you to feel which direction calls you to set up your mat.

Finally, breathe and open your mind and body to the world around you as you dive deep into your practice.

Namaste.

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12/30/2024

Clothing & Art Swaps: What are they? How do they benefit you and the environment?

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clothing on clothing rack on hangars blue jeans red yellow and white bottoms hanging on rack
​The Importance of Clothing and Art & Crafts Swaps: A Creative Way to Freshen Up Your Wardrobe and Keep Goods Out of Landfills.

Sustainability and creativity go hand in hand, especially when it comes to reducing waste and refreshing our wardrobes or crafting supplies. Clothing swaps and art & craft swaps are simple yet effective ways to give new life to gently used items, keep them out of landfills, and connect with others in fun and creative ways. Whether you're refreshing your closet or adding new materials to your craft stash, these swaps can be a low-cost, environmentally friendly option to get what you need without buying new.

What Are Clothing and Art & Crafts Swaps?
A clothing swap is an event where people exchange their gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories with others. Similarly, an art & crafts swap involves trading unused craft supplies like yarn, paint, fabric, or beads. These swaps can happen in person with a group of friends or neighbors or be organized as larger community events. The idea is simple: bring items you no longer use, and take home things that are new to you.

Why Are They Important?
  1. Environmental Impact: Clothing and textile waste is a major contributor to landfills. By swapping instead of buying new, you keep garments and materials out of the trash, reducing waste. For craft supplies, it's common for people to have unused items gathering dust—by swapping, these materials get a second life, minimizing environmental harm.
  2. Affordability: Swapping is often a free or low-cost way to freshen up your wardrobe or try new crafts. In today's world, where the cost of living continues to rise, swaps provide an affordable way to acquire what you need without spending a dime.
  3. Creativity and Fun: Swapping can be an enjoyable social activity that allows you to discover new styles or craft projects. Whether it's finding the perfect sweater or unearthing a box of paints, the surprise factor adds a sense of excitement. Plus, you might find something unique that you wouldn't have otherwise considered.
  4. Community Building: Hosting a swap with friends, family, or neighbors brings people together. It fosters a spirit of sharing and reduces the pressure to constantly buy new, helping to build stronger, more sustainable communities.

How Can You Get Involved?
  1. Host a Swap: Organizing a swap event is easier than you think. Invite friends or neighbors to bring their unwanted clothes or craft supplies. Set up a designated area for people to browse and exchange items. You can even make it a themed event or incorporate fun activities like fashion shows or crafting demos.
  2. Swap with Friends or Neighbors: You don’t have to wait for a big event. Consider organizing a mini swap with friends or neighbors. It can be as simple as a few bags of clothes exchanged over coffee or a small box of art supplies shared with a crafting buddy.
  3. Join a Community Swap: Look for local swap groups or events. Many communities host regular clothing or craft swaps through community centers, libraries, or social media groups. Keep an eye out for announcements or even start a group in your own area!
  4. Support Online Swaps: If in-person swaps aren’t feasible, consider joining online platforms dedicated to swapping. Many online groups or apps allow users to trade items with people from around the world, reducing the need for purchasing new goods.
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Swapping is a simple, fun, and effective way to be more sustainable and creative, all while saving money and meeting new people. Whether it’s refreshing your wardrobe or finding new materials for a craft project, consider organizing or participating in a clothing or art & crafts swap in your community!

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