**Just a reminder, I am not a certified yoga teacher. While I practice yoga on a daily basis, I am not an expert. This project is purely based on my own practice, and the things that work for me and my own body. Remember to practice in a way that is safe and makes you feel good, ok?**

Hey friends. In an effort to create + move + live + explore the things that I love more, I'm trying something new today. Just for fun. Welcome to my new project, Asana + A Song.

Today I have for you, my favourite hip opener, Pigeon Pose / Eka Pada Rajakapotasana + This Thing About You by Miracle Fortress.

To start, (HIT PLAY FIRST) stand in Mountain Pose / Tadasana and prepare your ears for musical goodness.

Make your way into downward dog, and pedal out your legs to loosen up.

Bring your right (or left, depending on the side) knee to your right (or left) elbow, and place your shin parallel to the top of your mat (or on a diagonal if you have tight hips and need to modify). Make sure that your foot is flexed to prevent injury and protect your knee. Lower yourself down slowly.

Fold forward and begin to melt your heart to the mat. Settle in and surrender. Or come up onto spidered fingertips, pull your shoulders back and down away from your ears. Bring your chest forward and open your heart.

Want to go deeper? Try One-Legged King Pigeon Pose!

Pigeon is one of my favourite poses to practice. It gets deep into the hip muscles, where we tend to store a lot of tension. The result is a great hip opener and a really yummy stretch. I like to hang out here for minutes at a time and just let it all go. Pigeon was the perfect pose to practice while listening to "This Thing About You", because well, there is just that thing about pigeon... Together, the asana + the song created an ideal space to surrender; to bask in.

The track is full of life + love + summer + sweetness. Plus, it makes me feel nostalgic (in the best way), and reminds me of being 19 + being able to actually go to shows + adventures in the big city (YYZ) + summertime + change + so much love. Exactly what I needed to pull me out of my afternoon slump.

Everyone that I know, is telling me to try to take things slow. But even things that are wrong about you, they make my will too strong to doubt you. A metaphor for my practice perhaps? It's imperfect, but constantly evolving + improving. And every teacher ever has told me to take things slow. It's a journey not a race.

This was fun! It was super nice to hit my mat after all the work work working I've been doing. Creating balance, making space, and making time for the things that matter to me.

Until next time - peace + love,

Alex

**This content was created for Mass Musings, see the original post here.**

I don’t know about you, but I basically live in my yoga wear. While I love a great pair of black leggings, I’m always on the lookout for stylish and sustainable items to add to my wardrobe. For me, it is important that pieces be well-made, versatile, and blend seamlessly into my life, both on and off the mat.

Enter Satva Living, makers of eco-chic apparel for the yoga loving lady. All of their products are made from oh-so-soft organic cotton. From strappy-back tanks, to bright patterned leggings, Satva Living’s new Summer line is available at Whole Foods nationwide. Get this - a portion of all proceeds from Satva Living are invested back into the local communities and agricultural initiatives in India, where the cotton is grown and harvested. Knowing that my clothes were crafted through environmentally and socially responsible production makes me feel really good. As a recovering fast-fashion consumer, I’m learning to shop smarter, and support brands committed to providing quality pieces in a sustainable way.

When Satva Living offered me the opportunity to get sweaty in their gear - I happily obliged. While I’m no fashion blogger (and certainly not a model), I have developed my own sense of style that works for me. I wanted to show you how Satva Living’s Summer line can be styled effortlessly, whether you’re on your way to the yoga studio, grabbing a coffee after class, or hitting the mat at home.

TO PRACTICE:

I put the Tula Drape Back Tank to work on my mat, and sailed through Sun Salutations. The drape back showed off my strappy sports bra, and looked graceful as I opened my heart into backbends. The longer hem was just right, making me feel comfortable and covered. I didn’t have to tug at my shirt while practicing, which was wonderful. If you’re an inversion junkie, I suggest pairing the tank with some high waisted leggings, as the tank will ride up a little due to it’s looser fit. Hot yoga more your style? The Tula Tank is super lightweight and breathable, but you might want to wear a moisture wicking sports bra or cami underneath to keep you dry!

Tank: c/o Satva Living, Sports bra: Lululemon (similar) Leggings: Lululemon (similar), Cardigan: H&M, Mala: Tiny Devotions

TO AND FROM:

Need a more polished look for your commute to the studio? No problem. When choosing items to wear to and from the studio, I tend to favor stylish, light layers, that are simple to put on and take off. The Tula Tank moves easily from activewear to an everyday essential. Paired with the bold Riva Wrap Skirt, a cute cardigan and some slip-on espadrilles - grab your mat and you’re good to go! Pull on your leggings when you get to the studio and jump right back into your chaturanga without missing a breath.

Skirt: c/o Satva Living, Tank: c/o Satva Living, Cardigan: Madewell, Shoes: TOM’S, Yoga Mat: Manduka, Water bottle: bkr, Mala: Tiny Devotions Sunnies: A.J. Morgan

Until next time - peace + love,

Alex