Taking our practice outdoors can have huge benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing. Personally, when it starts to get a little warmer, I take every opportunity I can to get outside and move either in my garden or during a walk in the park.
Sometimes it might be a few rounds of Sun Salutation, other times it might involve a few moments just in Savasana listening to the beauty of nature all around me. You soon become so immersed in your practice that it really doesn’t matter if people notice you. You never know, they may ask to join you!
Six ways to connect outdoors
As well as joining me for my Yoga in the Woods sessions at Evenley, here are a few things you could try.
- Begin by having a barefoot walk on grass or sand to ground yourself and draw the earth’s energy up into your body. Stand still and notice how you feel now. You don’t need a yoga mat but there are some great travel ones out there if you do want something to place down.
- Move into some yoga shapes such as Warrior and Tree to help you find balance and focus. Inhale and exhale the fresh air all around you as you focus.
- Float between two shapes such as Reverse Warrior and Side Angle. Breathe fully and let the breath soak into your body as you move.
- Lie down on the grass and feel the earth supporting you as you rest.
- Be grateful for your time spent outdoors and notice how you feel now.
- Repeat to yourself: “I am grateful for the time and energy I devote to myself”.