Building a Mindful Practice

When practitioners come to the mat, they are often seeking more than exercise; they are looking for a quiet space to listen, breathe and reconnect with inner wisdom.

At Asivana Yoga we believe that the tools you use should uphold the same principles you practice; unity (yoga), inner heroism (vira), community (kula), service (seva) and non‑harm (ahimsa).

As growing numbers of yogis seek sustainable alternatives, we asked ourselves: what if your mat, block and cushion were made from natural materials and thoughtfully designed to support both your body and the Earth?

In this article we explore three of our favorite essentials the Flux Cork Yoga Mat, the EcoBlock Cork Yoga Block and the Medi Moment meditation cushion and how they work together to create a grounding, eco‑conscious practice.

Support for Your Practice

Flux Cork Yoga Mat

Many practitioners are surprised when they first encounter a cork mat; it feels different from the foam or PVC mats of the past. Our Flux Cork Yoga Mat measures 72 inches long and 24 inches wide and is 5 millimeters thick. The mat weighs about 7 pounds and is built from a reversible combination of sustainably sourced cork on one side and natural rubber on the other.

Cork’s soft texture offers a natural, non‑slip grip, while the rubber side provides cushioning for wrist‑intensive classes. Because cork is antimicrobial, the mat requires less cleaning than synthetic mats; wiping it with a damp cloth and allowing it to dry thoroughly prevents odors and extends its life.

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The materials are harvested with environmental responsibility in mind, using FSC‑certified cork from Portugal and sustainably tapped natural rubber from Asia.

EcoBlock Cork Yoga Block

Blocks give practitioners stability when working toward deeper flexibility or exploring new alignments. The EcoBlock is crafted from the same FSC‑certified cork as our mat, offering a firm yet supportive feel that will not slip under pressure.

Yoga + Life Magazine notes that the block is hypoallergenic and anti‑microbial, making it hygienic and odor‑resistant. Its smooth edges and natural, grippy texture provide a steady surface for standing poses like triangle while offering cushioning during seated meditation.

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This balance between support and comfort allows both beginners and seasoned yogis to refine alignment safely. The EcoBlock’s cork composition also connects you to the earth; as you press your hand into the block or rest your hips upon it, you literally feel the grounded stability of a material that comes from the living forest.

Medi Moment Meditation Cushion

A comfortable seat is essential for meditation; if the spine is misaligned or the hips are strained, the mind constantly returns to physical discomfort instead of inward focus. The Medi Moment cushion invites you to pause and breathe by raising the hips above the knees to align the spine and support deep, conscious breathing.

This cushion is constructed from an unbleached organic cotton–linen blend and filled with ultra‑lightweight, sustainable kapok fiber. It contains no toxins or synthetic materials and is completely biodegradable. The kapok filling can be removed or added through a zippered insert, allowing you to adjust the height to suit your body.

A convenient carry handle makes it easy to take the cushion from your living room to the studio or outdoors. Ananday, the artisan manufacturer we collaborate with, explains that kapok requires very little water to grow and minimal processing, making it one of the most sustainable fibers available.

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The cushion’s light 1.8‑pound weight and durable construction ensure it retains its shape for years.

Why It Matters

Grounding through natural materials. Practicing yoga on natural materials feels different from practicing on synthetic foam. Cork provides a soft yet firm texture that becomes grippier as you sweat and break it in. Unlike synthetic mats, which often off‑gas chemicals, cork and natural rubber are harvested from renewable sources and processed without toxic additives.

As Yoga + Life Magazine notes, using these materials supports biodiversity and embodies the yogic principle of ahimsa (non‑harming). Practitioners often remark that the natural scent and tactile quality of cork enhance their sense of connection to the earth. This connection is more than aesthetic; it aligns with our brand pillar of sustainability by reducing reliance on petrochemical plastics and creating a biodegradable end‑of‑life path for your props.

Supporting alignment and safety. Props are not a sign of weakness; they are tools for empowerment. The EcoBlock’s firm cork supports you in standing postures like Utthita Trikonasana (triangle) and balancing poses, preventing over‑stretching and stabilizing your structure. During seated practices, it provides gentle lift beneath the hips, allowing the pelvis to tilt forward and easing strain on the lower back

The Medi Moment cushion performs a similar function for longer meditation or pranayama sessions: by elevating your seat and aligning your spine, it encourages diaphragmatic breathing and reduces knee pressure.

Even our mat contributes to alignment; its reversible design offers options for different practices, while the cork surface improves grip over time, allowing you to ground firmly in standing poses and press confidently into downward dog.

Durability and care. Sustainability also means choosing items that last. Cork and natural rubber are resilient; the Flux mat maintains its shape and texture even after months of use in hot classes.

Proper storage, rolling the mat with the cork side out and allowing it to dry completely after cleaning, prevents cracking and extends its life. The mat’s antimicrobial properties reduce the need for frequent cleaning, yet a simple wipe with water keeps it fresh.

The EcoBlock’s dense cork won’t compress over time, ensuring consistent support across many practice sessions. And because the Medi Moment cushion’s cover is removable and the kapok is adjustable, you can easily refresh or replace individual components while preserving the rest.

Embodiment of Asivana’s values. Each of these props reflects our brand pillars. The Flux mat and EcoBlock support unity (yoga) by grounding you in stable, natural materials; they allow practitioners of all levels to feel safe exploring new postures. Their sustainable sourcing and biodegradability honor ahimsa and seva by protecting the environment and supporting fair labor practices.

The Medi Moment cushion offers a gentle invitation to vira (inner heroism) by making meditation accessible and comfortable, encouraging you to face inward without distraction.

Finally, using beautiful, eco‑friendly tools fosters a sense of kula, community; when we choose products that respect the Earth, we contribute to a collective commitment to healing that extends beyond our individual practice.

Grounded Takeaways

Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, investing in quality props can transform your experience. A reversible cork mat provides a solid foundation and plenty of grip; a firm, anti‑microbial block supports you in refining alignment; and an adjustable, organic meditation cushion encourages longer periods of stillness.

Each of these pieces is designed with mindful intention, reflecting Asivana’s dedication to sustainability, comfort and empowerment. By choosing natural materials you not only improve your own practice but also participate in a broader movement towards ethical consumption.

Our hope is that when you step onto a cork mat, rest your hand on a cork block, or sit on a kapok‑filled cushion, you feel connected to yourself, to the earth beneath you, and to a community of practitioners seeking a kinder world.

Explore these sustainable practice essentials on Asivana Yoga and discover how a thoughtful choice of mat, block and cushion can elevate your journey.