Green Yoga

Green Yoga LogoGreen Yoga is a bridge between the practices of Yoga and our inherent connection to the natural environment. In recognition of the ancient teachings of Yoga to harmonize our vibrations with our tangible and physical world, living in an environmentally friendly fashion falls in line with these philosophies.

The Green Yoga Association is an organization dedicated to fostering ecological consciousness, reverence and action in the Yoga community. David served on the Founding Board of Directors of this group and feels it is a true outlet to share his purpose of inspiring health and vitality. By bringing together real life activism at the consumer level and the deeper yogic teachings of harmonizing with our world, The Green Yoga Association is poised to elevate consciousness with yoga and help save our planet through environmentally sound living.

Green Yoga Association is a non-profit organization and would appreciate your support in any way. You can become a member and help support our cause here, and stay up to date with Green Yoga Newsletter published bi-annually. Read the VALUES STATEMENT and see what you can do!

David’s Green Yoga Philosophy

With Yoga, as in daily life, we are given countless opportunities to engage with our natural environment. In bringing these thoughts to a conscious level, we take the first steps towards harmonizing our resonance with the universal forces physically, mentally, and spiritually.

As living breathing beings, we rely on the element of AIR for survival. Air / breath is a source of power for movement, a cleansing sound for the mind, and a fuel source for strength. With conscious breath, these actions occur with the same elemental direction as the natural world.

When air is brought into the body, it converts to liquid in the form of blood for transportation around the body, feeding and oxygenating muscles along the way. Scientifically, we, as humans, are made of 98% WATER so movement of our physical bodies should occur in a naturally fluid motion. When we move with our breath, we find the delicate balance of air and water in mutual vibration…Like the top of the ocean, our skin is the catalyst to keep our fluid bodies true to its natural form.

Living on this EARTH, we are inherently attached to it in many ways. We rely on its minerals to provide sustenance for plants, which feed us both oxygen and food. We rely on its pull to keep us grounded and for opposition to grow strong and balanced. We enjoy it’s beauties for mental stillness and recreation. Maintaining some sort physical and emotional attachment with the earth is our grounding force with the physical plane.

Inside us all, there is an internal FIRE that burns fuel from many sources. The internal fire can be stimulated by external factors like breath and muscle contractions, as well as by internal factors like emotions and intentions. Keeping the core element of the fire alive is what keeps our spirit alive, and in turn, when it burns hot and bright, so do we. Stoking the internal fire with breath, strength, mental focus and intent allows the internal FIRE to provide heat, further connecting your movements with the natural world which experiences the same effect.

Bring nature into both Yoga and life to create harmony and flow.

Click here for another interesting perspective on Yoga and the Elements

BRING YOUR INTENTIONS TO ACTION!

David’s Private Yoga Studio is an example of Green Yoga principles applied in the world. Yoga Journal Managazine wrote an article about David’s Green Studio in the July/August 2005 edition. There is a good list of Green Building Supplies on their website.

This eco-friendly renovation of an existing carriage house in Lower Pacific Heights is a magical place of ideals in action.

After leveling the floor with concrete, we laid Radiant Heat to heat the studio from the floor up. This style of heating uses very little electricity and is very effecient.

The floor is made of bamboo, which is a renewable resource and grows very easily in almost all climates.

Inside the walls is Ultra-Touch Recycled Denim insulation. There are no fiberglass filaments in the air, and we didn’t need gloves or masks when installing it. Plus, it’s all recycled material.

The paint on the walls is water based VOC-free paint, the window shades are made of all natural bamboo and 100% cotton fabric, and the lights are low-voltage halogen lights.

Overall, I estimate it cost me about 20% more to use these eco-friendly products. However, the long-term costs savings of electricity and heat should even out this extra cost over time.

Click here for some simple steps you can take to bring Green Practices into your Yoga studio.

Another way to consider the reason we go Green is to hear and live the Story of the Creation of the Cosmos with:
Hasita Nadai and Yoga Gaia

Also…pay attention to the Moon Cycles. Check out this informative and insightful sight to see what the Moon, Planets, and Cosmos have in store for us coming up:
Astrowisdom.com

Curious about what to do with Old Yoga Mats? Click This and See some great ideas!

Here are some tips for Green Living:

Firstly, become aware of what you use. Monitor consumption of electricity, gas, and water. Pay attention to how much waste you generate. Challenge yourself to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Follow the ‘R’s in order > Re-use , Re-duce, Re-cycle

Locate and Support your Local Environmental Group of choice. They are probably looking for support from someone just like you!

In the Bathroom:

  • Conserve Water
  • brush your teeth and shave with the water off, only turning it on when you need to rinse
  • place a brick or something else bulky and heavy in the back basin of your toilet, it will displace water requireing less for flushing. You will also notice a little less water in the bowl with this method
  • if it’s yellow…let it mellow
  • Take shorter showers, or shower with someone else!
  • Many shower heads are now able to save you water without jeopardizing pressure…ask the local hardware store for help
  • get some nice Organic towels and bathmat (Gaiam, Rawganique.)
  • find out what´s in your soap and shampoo…and use organic and natural cleaning products
  • Buy toilet paper made from recycled paper (7th Gen, Eco, etc…)
  • replace just the head of your toothbrush instead of the whole brush!

In the Kitchen

  • Recycle glass, plastic, and paper goods
  • Compost your food scraps. Many cities now take composting, or if that´s not available to you, ask your neighbor with a garden if they do.
  • Buy Organic whenever possible
  • Support local farmers markets
  • Grow your own herbs and greens!
  • Stop using toxic cleaners on your counters…you will eat them later…literally! Here are some sources for good cleaning solution recipes to make your own:

http://mlmgorilla.com/naturalcleaningrecipe/
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

~Re-use as much as possible~

  • Jars and containers…they make great travel accessories as well as closet organizers
  • Food Bags…a little rinse and dry and they make great…bags again!
  • Grocery Bags…or even better yet, get several canvas bags for your shopping. Keep one in your car, one at home, one at the office and remember it when you go the store
  • Get rid of Teflon…it’s bad stuff. I have a new Cast Iron Skillet and cook everything in it! Very durable and makes the best veggie curry!

In the Bedroom:

In the Laundry Room:

In the Office:

General Conservation:

Pass it on! Tell your friends these simple things they can do to make a difference.

GENERAL GREEN RESOURCES:
Greenhome.com
Green Yoga Supplies

A list of 10 Things under $10 to help make a differnce…compiled by Adi Carter.

SEE DAVID ON LOCAL NBC NEWS TALKING ABOUT THESE THINGS!

And check out this video by Carl Sagan about Where We Are