written by Vania Passini
translated from Italian by ReYoga
The Cotton Rug is well known to those who practice Ashtanga Yoga, and I well remember my curiosity when I first saw this beautiful cotton rug “that also does a bit of decorating.”
I had recently started practicing “just” Ashtanga by attending a Yoga studio where at the bottom of the classical mat was a neatly folded, colorful Cotton Rug.
So, dear friends who do not know the use of the Rug, here is some more information.
The origin of the cotton practice rug
The idea for the Rug originated in India. We are in Mysore, the Indian city, the cradle of modern yoga and a pilgrimage destination for Ashtanga Yoga practitioners.
In the days when, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, father of this discipline taught, the yoga shala was a simple, small room with no tiles or luxurious parquet flooring, but with a concrete cast on the floor.
To make the floor “more comfortable” they then covered it with large, heavy mats often made of coconut fiber – imagine feet rubbing against the rough fiber – ouch! –
With the advent of more and more students, vigorous practice, and tropical climate the cotton mat was then introduced with the main function of absorbing sweat.
Well yes, the cotton mat came first then the rubber mat!
Why use the ReRug?
Certainly, the Rug is useful for those who sweat profusely, in fact, the main function we said is to absorb excess sweat allowing you additional hand and foot grip.
I also suggest it to those who, in the transitions on the floor between postures, are learning to jump with their legs in addition to their hands. In fact, when we are there to make it, and only the foot rubbing on the mat blocks us, the Cotton Rug becomes our ally by helping the heel glide and easing the transition. This, of course, is a little trick that does not relieve us from using the technique, but it certainly becomes a good incentive and a valuable aid.
What are the advantages of the rug?
Perhaps the most obvious advantage, besides the grip I mentioned, is that it can be washed thus allowing for greater hygiene, a fundamental element of the practice.
It can, in addition, follow you on yogic vacations, saving you from carrying the heavier rubber mat to go along with the mat that will be loaned to you in your host yoga studio.
Why practice yoga with the right mat?
It is essential to practice yoga with the right mat. If you can, test mats before you make your purchase to see which one is best for you. I suggest being wary of fads of the moment by preferring a purposeful choice that will go a long way toward avoiding disappointment and waste.
Our level of practice, sweating, and build are some of the different factors that affect the choice of the mat best suited to our actual needs.
As for dynamic yoga styles, it will tend to be the grip that will win you over. It may also be the case that for some practitioners the grip becomes too much in grounded transitions, and this is where pairing it with the cotton rug creates the perfect combination.
Why the same mat every day?
Whichever one you choose, it is essential to have a personal mat. By now, most yoga schools provide mats to students, and in some classes, you will already find mats laid out on the floor when you arrive.
Again, having your own mat remains the most hygienic choice, but more importantly, the choice that will give you the opportunity to experience yoga in the everyday.
Because magic will happen.
On a quiet Sunday morning or a day off, you will see the mat leaning against a wall and think, “I’ll almost unroll it and do some sun salutations.”
At the end of your home practice, the second question you will ask yourself will be “Why didn’t I do that before”.
So maybe you will start a new habit, whether it is once a week or once a month. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you will have your own mat at home, then a tool, so you can practice, carving out a moment for you right within a daily routine within the walls of your home.
To experience yoga more and more in and out of the yoga shala but especially in and out of the mat.
Enjoy your practice!