Are Yoga Meditation Mats Really Necessary?

Nowadays the popularity of yoga is almost as big as that one of body-building, and this is a result of the unbelievably dynamic environment we’re living in. While body-building is pretty much an activity that requires one to visit a gym in order to perform it, yoga is quite the opposite. It’s the type of activity that allows freedom of movement and free choice of environment where you can do it. Whether you choose to do your poses at home, in the beauty of the nearest hill, or maybe in the park, it’s all up to you.

And while you can see yogis practically everywhere where the amount of traffic and excessive noise is lowered to a significant minimum, you won’t see a yogi without a yoga mat. It’s their ultimate community mark; the mat is what connects them all.

However, a thing as simple as yoga meditation mats has more meaning for the yogis than being just a piece of material on which they can sit and stretch. It’s the element that represents the process of privatization of space, which as it turns out, is of huge importance in yoga.

It’s not just a sticky surface

Although it’s one of the features every yogi looks for in a mat, yoga meditation mats are definitely not used just for the fact that they’re sticky and don’t move when you move. They act as definers of personal space and as such they reveal the individuality of the practitioners. In addition, every yogi chooses their mat’s material: PVC or eco? Size, thickness levels and portability also matter. Therefore, the mat you choose adds up to the type of yogi you are.

A fence for the personal yoga space

When you have a mat, you try to do all your poses on the space provided by the mat. You make sure you don’t get out of it. Consequently, you don’t allow anyone to step on your mat and disturb your spatial peace. The last thing you want is someone else sweating over your mat. Or maybe taking over your space, which is even more annoying. The mat is clear on this one: this is my space and please don’t step into it.

Finally, as a conclusion

Yes, you do need a yoga mat if you’re planning to do yoga more frequently. It’s because while the floor is a public space, the yoga mat is totally private. Therefore, it’s only you who’s responsible for everything that happens on and with your yoga mat.

Last but not least, your mat can be a stylish reflection of yourself. Choose a colour and a pattern that reflects your personality best and wear it with pleasure. As much as yogis strive towards freedom of the mind, especially regarding materialistic bonds, having a mat that’s appealing to the eye is a great will-boosting element.