Aurorae Yoga Review and Giveaway CLOSED

My blog is 1 year old this month!

Yep, my baby is growing up (sniff). When I think back to a year ago and to how new all of this was to me, well, I am mostly blown away at how far I have come. I have learned A LOT about myself, my unique gifts, my voice as a writer and teacher as well as the supportive nature of social networking. My little site here has grown as well, from an incoherent collection of my musings and yoga posture tips to a clear vision, a creative outlet and a community resource for yogis and friends from all over the world.

Blogging has also connected me with many amazing individuals, teachers, fellow bloggers and some pretty rockin' yoga inspired companies. Most recently, I have had the good fortune of connecting with one of these awesome organizations, Aurorae Yoga.

Haven't heard of them?

Aurorae Yoga makes yoga practice aids including beautiful and eco-friendly yoga mats, mat bags, and a variety of yoga accessories. The company was founded by Dennis Ingui, a cancer survivor who came to yoga to help cultivate his physical body and a sense of inner peace for his mind. Like many people (myself included), Ingui found yoga practice to be so much more than even those two things. Aurorae Yoga resulted from a desire to support regular, everyday people in their yoga practice. I love this quote from their website, "It's Your Yoga. So don't be intimidated or uncomfortable. Relax, Enjoy and Namaste." Good stuff.

My Experience

First of all, I have to say that all of my interactions with the folks at Aurorae Yoga have been amazing. Every conversation I have had has been friendly and accommodating. Their communication is clear and they respond to emails promptly. I really appreciate that integrity.

The Products

I received the Ultra Thick Yoga Mat and the Slip Free Rosin Bag to test and review here on my blog.

The Aurorae Yoga Mat is awesome and quite an upgrade from what I am used to. I was surprised to notice that the 1/4" thickness really makes a huge difference in my practice. This is especially evident in poses like Camel, Low Lunge and any pose where the knees are bearing weight. I have also noticed that I am more comfortable when laying on my stomach in Bow Pose and Full Locust Pose and Jump Backs to Chaturanga don't kill my toes. Basically, I am able to focus more on the poses because I feel really supported by the mat. That is a nice feeling.

I love the focal point icon at the front of the mat  (very helpful in Toe Stand!). Also, the colors are great. My mat color is Violet and it totally suits me. It is soothing on the eyes and inspires a sense of calm focus and clarity that is wonderful during a challenging vinyasa practice. All of the Aurorae Yoga Mat colors have an intentional focus, for example green facilitates renewal and intellect while pink is energetic and healing. Cool, huh?

Did I mention that the pricing on the Aurorae Yoga Mats is extremely affordable? Just another bonus.

The Slip Free Rosin Bag is a new concept for me but after using it, it seems like a no-brainer. I don't know why I haven't heard of this sort of product being used for yoga practice before. It is absolutely perfect for a hot, sweaty vinyasa class when your hands have trouble staying put (in Downward Facing Dog for example). Towels also work for this purpose, of course, but this little bag sitting at the front of my mat has come in so very handy lately. Thanks Aurorae Yoga!

Buy it

Aurorae Yoga products are available on Amazon.com. Click here to head on over and do some shopping.

Win it

Aurorae Yoga has generously offered to give one lucky Lindsay's Hot Spot reader one of their Ultra Thick, Extra Long Yoga Mats and the Slip Free Package which includes the Slip Free Rosin Bag and Sport Sweat Towel. Woohoo!

How to Enter

Mandatory:

• -Visit Aurorae Yoga's website and leave a comment here sharing your favorite thing about Aurorae Yoga.

Additional Entries:

Note: You must leave a separate comment below for each entry in order for it to be counted in the drawing.

• -Like Auroroae Yoga on Facebook.
• -Follow Aurorae on Twitter.
• -Sign up for Aurorae Yoga's free email newsletter (The link is on their website. Just scroll down).
• -Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (in the right sidebar).
• -Like me on Facebook.
• -Follow me on Twitter
• -Tweet about this giveaway. Please leave the link.
• -Subscribe to my free email newsletter (right sidebar).

Contest ends Monday September 27, 2010 at 11:59PM EST. Open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be randomly selected on September 28, 2010 and announced here on my blog.

Thanks for stopping by and celebrating 1 year of yoga blogging with me!! You make it possible for me to do what I love and for that I am RIDICULOUSLY grateful.

Lots of Love,

Lindsay

More from Aurorae Yoga:

Aurorae yoga mats include illuminating colors, focal point icon, extra long and extra thick yoga mats as well as yoga bags, and yoga accessories. Browse our best reviewed yoga mats, yoga bags and yoga accessories for all your yoga needs.

Disclosure: I received the Aurorae Yoga mat and rosin bag at no charge from Aurorae Yoga in order to facilitate this review and giveaway event. I was not, however, compensated to provide my opinion. All thoughts expressed are mine and mine alone.