Yogi Adriene Mishler Wants You to Find Joy and Acceptance Through Movement

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Yogi Adriene Mishler smiling with legs crossed and palms together
Courtesy of YWA

In 2012, a young actress sporting hand-me-down leggings and bangs she'd cut herself began filming and uploading yoga videos online. The Texas-born, hatha-trained Adriene Mishler was hardly the first to do so, but her warm, approachable, even goofy manner stood out. She offered a free alternative to expensive classes—no judgment, no distracting chatter. "I just wanted to help my friends and family feel good," she says of the early days of her budding career. "I was never afraid to do things my own way, which I learned from my mom, a Mexican-American woman who worked her way up to become head of the theater department at her university."

Today, more than eight million YouTube subscribers salute the sun in hundreds of sessions: Some are tailored to nurses, gardeners, or the broken-hearted; others target lower-back pain or stress. Most are shot in her serene dining room, a space she shares with towering houseplants and Benji, her blue-heeler-mix pup. Whether traveling the world to teach workshops or walking in her hometown, Mishler wears clothing from independent designers. "I like things that are timeless and well-made," she says.

Her mission—to provide as much free, high-quality yoga to as many people as possible—remains equally unfussy. "The hardest part is just showing up. But you'll come away with a sliver of love, forgiveness, and acceptance for yourself," says Mishler, who opens each class the same way: "Hop into something comfy, and let's get started." Here, she shares a few of her favorite things—many of which are items to get comfortable in, from a dress-up or dress-down slip dress that's as good for a night out as it is for travel to the sneakers she wears on her daily run.

01 of 16

Favorite Poems

Devotions by Mary Oliver
Courtesy of Amazon

"I keep this book by my bedside and read from it often. Every poem feels like a treat."

Shop Now: Devotions by Mary Oliver, $9.65, amazon.com.

02 of 16

Silk Scrunchie

Miranda Bennett Silk-Noil Scrunchie
Courtesy of Miranda Bennett

"She does the most beautiful, mission-driven work for women and the earth. I wear her tunic dresses, too."

Shop Now: Miranda Bennett Silk-Noil Scrunchie, $28, shopmirandabennett.com.

03 of 16

Sustainable Slip Dress

Organic by John Patrick Bias Long Slip Dress in Salvia
Courtesy of Organic by John Patrick

"One of my staples. It's great for layering and travel—I dress it up with heels, or down with sneakers or boots. I admire the designer John Patrick because he focused on making sustainability cool early on."

Shop Now: Organic by John Patrick Bias Long Slip Dress in Salvia, $189, organicbyjohnpatrick.com.

04 of 16

Epsom Salts

Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salts
Peter Ardito

"To unwind, I take long walks with Benji and soak in a hot bath with this."

Shop Now: Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salts, $4 for four pounds, target.com.

05 of 16

Take-Everywhere Notebook

Moleskine Classic Pocket Notebook
Courtesy of Moleskine

"I carry a black one with me at all times."

Shop Now: Moleskine Classic Pocket Notebook, $16, staples.com.

06 of 16

Red Lip

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Red Rock
Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

"I stick to natural lips most days, but go with red ones on Christmas and whenever I'm in Mexico City."

Shop Now: MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Red Rock, $19, maccosmetics.com.

07 of 16

Essential Polish

OPI Nail Polish in Tiramisu for Two
Courtesy of OPI

"Since I do so much shooting, I make sure to have color on my fingers and toes."

Shop Now: OPI Nail Polish in Tiramisu for Two, $11, target.com.

08 of 16

Body Oil

Vetiver Skin Studio Vetiver Body Oil
Courtesy of Vetiver Skin Studio

"It's so pure; I just love the consistency and the smell."

Shop Now: Vetiver Skin Studio Vetiver Body Oil, $42, vetiverskinstudio.com.

09 of 16

Colorful Pens

Mark's Tous Les Jours Ballpoint Pens
Courtesy of May Day Press

"They're the most colorful things on my desk."

Shop Now: Mark's Tous Les Jours Ballpoint Pens, $4.50 each, mayday-press.com.

10 of 16

Yoga Mat

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat in Midnight
Courtesy of Manduka

"I love this mat, but when I'm on the road, I carry the lightweight Jade Voyager. It's awesome for travel. I use this or the Pro Lite at home."

Shop Now: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat in Midnight, $120, manduka.com.

11 of 16

Hydrangeas

pink hydrangeas
Courtesy of Getty Images

"I don't have a lot on my walls, but I get a pop of color from bookshelves, beautiful rugs, and flowers."

12 of 16

Favorite Vase

Kati Von Lehman Speckled Vase
Courtesy of Kati Von Lehman

"I love to keep fresh flowers in this vessel; it's a treasure."

Shop Now: Kati Von Lehman Speckled Vase, $170, kati-vonlehman.com.

13 of 16

Cold Drink

Topo-Chico Mineral Water
Peter Ardito

"There's something about taking a cold bottle on a hot walk."

Shop Now: Topo-Chico Mineral Water, from $2, topochicousa.net.

14 of 16

Functional DĂ©cor

Kalon Stump
Courtesy of Kalon

"I'm a big fan of this sustainable company. This piece is decorative, but I use it for triceps dips and one-legged squats. It makes me feel so artist-chic!"

Shop Now: Kalon Stump, from $85, kalonstudios.com.

15 of 16

Comfortable Kicks

Adidas Ultraboost 20 SB Sneakers
Courtesy of Adidas

"Comfortable and supportive, they're my go-to for my daily run."

Shop Now: Adidas Ultraboost 20 SB Sneakers, $180, dickssportinggoods.com.

16 of 16

Matcha

Matcha Love Organic Matcha
Courtesy of Matcha Love Organic

"I make a latte with this, almond milk, and a little bit of honey in the Vitamix. It's my afternoon pick-me-up."

Shop Now: Matcha Love Organic Matcha, $17, matchalove.com.

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, October 2020
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