Yoga is the best excuse to see my friends. It's one of the easiest invitations to extend because no one has time--including me--to workout and see their friends unless it's happening simultaneously.
I make yoga dates with my girlfriends constantly because I feel like I get the most quality time with them during this workout than any other. Forget the high intensity stuff--it's far less intimate. Yoga's the one activity where even though you're not talking, you're still connecting with each other while on your mats. In this case, it's imperative that your mats are side by side so you can visually bond with your friend.
This is Nicola Yvette, my longtime friend who teaches yoga & pilates (check her out here). Oh look, she's wearing my socks!
Last night we went on yoga date to Laughing Lotus Yoga NYC and it was pretty awesome to experience her energy and soulfulness right beside me. I saw a side of her that I don't always get to see in sit-down conversations.
She was light on her feet, dance-y and inspired. Not that she isn't always...it was just a different vibe she was emitting. Before class, Nicola mentioned how busy she's been with all her preparations for traveling to India but it was only on the mat that I could see how excited she was for the trip.
There's something about yoga that's unspoken and calming. It brings friends closer together. It helps you understand each other more. It allows you to move together even when your lives travel in different directions. My point is: yoga is a lovely way to spend time with people you care about. Last night, instead of comparing myself to Nicola or taking turns reporting on our lives, I tried to be in sync with her yoga flow...her side planks, downward dogs and whatever else we did.
After class we made a tea date to "really catch up" but as I walked home I wondered if friendships are strengthened just as much by silence and observation as they are by the gossip and gab we, girls, are known for indulging in together.
Here are 4 things to check out that celebrate Yoga & Friendship. They're anything but pretentious and I thought you might enjoy them :)
1. Yoga Will Save The World is a darling yoga line out of London. I own the Bike Lady sweatshirt and can't get enough of the illustrations and quotivations that founder Rebecca Wilson comes up with. Her tees, postcards and calendars make the greatest gifts. And yes, she ships globally!
2. YoGoGirls Instagram and Blog. Michelle & Debbie are friends through yoga who do all kinds of jaw dropping poses together. They worship women who move and challenge you to get creative with your practice...beyond what you might learn in class.
3. ConsciousInk - Why not share a spiritual message or affirmation with a yoga partner that motivates your practice and looks like real ink but isn't? I love how these temporary tattoos only cost $2.50 and come with a card that explains their meaning. They're pretty realistic looking too. I love the sanskrit styles but there are plenty written in English. ENTER MY GIVEAWAY BELOW TO WIN THIS ONE.
4. Lucy Fit-V-Day e-cards - Don’t forget to send a little love to your workout bestie. Friends that sweat together, stay together! Just select a card design, add a personalized message, and send to your workout buddy. It's a nice way to say "I'm thinking of you" and "let's get together for a class soon".
What makes YOU think of Yoga & Friendship? Or what's the best thing that happened to you and a friend on account of yoga? Share your story to win a ConsciousInk temporary tattoo. A winner will be picked on Feb 28th.