Take Your Yoga Outside!
There is something wonderful about practicing yoga outdoors in nature. The fresh air and breeze, the sounds of birds, and beautiful views. It is no wonder that all the yogis throughout history have sought out the most serene, and breathtakingly beautiful locations to practice yoga or meditation. Sometimes as yogis we need to escape the city, slow down and find the present moment. Nature is the perfect tool to help us find a calm and grounded state.
We are so lucky to live in White Rock, British Columbia with so many beautiful parks, ocean beaches and access to such natural wonders all so close to our community. There are many perfect and beautiful spots for us to explore and enhance our yoga practice right here in our own backyard!
Below are a few benefits to getting outside in the fresh air for yoga and meditation. Have a read to see why you should take your yoga mat outside for your next class.
A change of scenery!
Unless you have access to your own personal yoga oasis or studio you may find practicing yoga at home a distracting as you are always pulled towards that bin of laundry or sink of dishes needing attention. You might even notice those hidden cobwebs or kids toys left unnoticed under the couch. Our mind is always searching for something to hold onto, or create a new inner narrative. Changing our scenery is a potent way to create an instant change, and offer the mind a break so we can focus on the present moment. Needless to say, getting outside to quiet and comfortable park or forest frees your mind and senses from all those daily duties and distractions for some always need yoga time to unwind and focus.
Fresh, Fresh, FRESH Air!
Especially in the summer our homes can be stuffy, hot and plainly not a comfortable yoga spot. A little outdoor yoga is the perfect fix for your breathing or yoga practice as you can enjoy clean and fresh air breath after breath. Getting fresh air is also so important as our homes can have lots of dust and allergens in the air that the naked eye can’t see! Our body (and nose!) really benefit from pranayama practice in the outdoors and when done with kindness and attention we can calm our nervous system while allowing the respiratory system to function optimally to oxygenate our bodies. Bonus point if you find a floral garden, earthy forest, or salty beach spot to enjoy the wonderful scents nature provides.
Nature’s Landing Pad, find a grassy oasis:
We have all taken a tumble in yoga! Weather falling our of balance in tree pose, slipping in downdog, or toppling over in headstand falling isn’t fun on a hard surface. Practicing at a nearby park can provide the perfect cushion to give you confidence to try new poses, play around, and not worry so much when you slip up. Yoga can be fun, joyous and bring out our inner kid! A nice grassy landing is the perfect encouragement to expand your yoga practice!
Nature provides endless beauty:
Meditation or dropping into the present moment can happen at any time. And although there is often focus on finding center through physical practices nature is the ultimate way to access a serene and calming experience. We have all had those tranquil moments when watching a sun set, gazing at a mountainous horizon, watching birds, or observing the lake. Paying attention to our surroundings is calming and the perfect way to slow down, and especially gratifying if you enjoy each moment to take it all in. Try it next time you are outdoors in nature, to let the beauty take you away and settle your breath, body and mind wherever you are.
We hope you gained some inspiration to take your practice out of doors this summer!
Live Yoga is always looking to help our community get outside to enjoy yoga together! Whether it be yoga in the park classes, outdoor group meditations during our summer urban retreats or ocean side beach yoga classes we always do our best to plan great outdoor events to take our practice outside.
Catch us Saturday, August 13th at Bayview Park on Marine Drive (14586 Marine Dr, White Rock, BC V4B 1C4) for a FREE oceanside yoga class. This is a perfect community event to come and connect with your local community, have fun and enjoy some yoga with others. Oh and there will totally be some free swag bags!
Learn more and share with others!