Now that summer is in full swing many of us feel called to spend more time outdoors, be that going for walks, having picnics, or even wild swimming or forest bathing. In recent years the health benefits of being in nature have been widely discussed, with research suggesting that time spent in nature can improve immunity, promote better quality of sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety and raise your mood. Why not optimise these effects by combining them with the health-giving benefits of a yoga practice? During the bright and verdant summer months outdoor yoga is a part of your wellness routine you can find genuine enjoyment in.
Practising yoga in nature can amplify the feeling of spiritual wellbeing and inner peace that yoga brings. If you feel scattered due to the hectic pace of modern life, the act of feeling the earth beneath our feet can be extremely grounding. You can practise barefoot on the ground or take some time before practising on a mat to feel your feet on the earth, perhaps in Mountain Pose (tadasana). Notice how the earth feels beneath your feet: how warm or cool is it? How does the texture of the grass feel against your skin? Allow yourself to feel safe and held by Mother Earth.
As you begin your practice, perhaps while in a reclined pose, you can take some time to look around and observe the natural world around you. Can you see the sky, or are you under a canopy of trees? Which colours do you notice around you: in the sky, the clouds, the trees, plants and flowers? What is the temperature like, and is there any breeze? Can you hear any sounds, such as birdsong or wind through leaves? Are there any natural scents around you, such as flowers, grass, or earthy smells? Taking some time to place yourself in your natural surroundings in this way will help set a mindful tone for your practice, perhaps as well as one of gratitude for the beauty of nature.
By becoming more attuned to nature, you will become more aware of the ebb and flow of the seasons and the wheel of the year. Why not match your outdoor yoga practice to honour the seasons? During the summer months you could rise early and make use of the extra hours of daylight, or do evening yoga outdoors. You could practise in the same place under the same tree and notice how the colours change, the trees mature with the seasons, and plants come and go. The more time you spend outdoors practising and on more different occasions, the greater the sense of connectedness you will feel to the natural world, leading to greater feelings of perspective and harmony with other living beings.
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This July and August you can join us for our Outdoor Summer Yoga Flow class under the trees on Saturday mornings 9.30-10.15am at beautiful Scaur Bank, Wetherby. The class costs just £8 and is a wonderful way to start your weekend. Booking available here: https://earthtreeyoga.co.uk/book-now/
