Back to nature. Practicing yoga outdoors

2 september 2016,

Practicing yoga connects us deeply with the elements and energy of the universe. In fact, one of the meanings of the Sanskrit word yoga is “union”, “connection”. By developing self-awareness through yoga we explore how we’re linked to the earth beneath us and environment around us. Stress-related illnesses can arise from living in the city, which

Practicing yoga connects us deeply with the elements and energy of the universe. In fact, one of the meanings of the Sanskrit word yoga is “union”, “connection”. By developing self-awareness through yoga we explore how we’re linked to the earth beneath us and environment around us. Stress-related illnesses can arise from living in the city, which distances us from Mother Earth: a disconnect that is harming both people and the planet. We need to start with the simple step of getting to know ourselves, and practicing yoga outdoors can be an excellent starting point.

Back to nature

Many aspects of yoga are about being in the moment and at one with nature and the universe. That is why so many asanas (positions) reflect animals and nature. By putting our body into the shape of a tree or exploring the graceful wingspan of a bird, by breathing like the cycle of tides or the ocean, a sense of harmony, timelessness and connection to the universe is evoked. Yoga is commonly practiced indoors; but when practiced outdoors, it brings union with nature. Breath after breath you feel the inner peace you were missing so long.

Trekking Yoga

Pairing yoga and nature means being ready to embrace the outdoors. Trekking Yoga, founded by Paolo Ricci in Italy in 2001 is a new way of discovering oneself by walking with a constant and thoughtful pace, taking time to meditate and focusing on breathing. Also know as moving meditation, the exploration of the self and the spiritual ascent is enhanced and linked to the ascent of a mountain. The more we walk and breathe calmly, the more our mind frees itself from heavy thoughts. By walking and breathing we meditate and try to find the human position (asana) in nature through controlled breathing (pranayama).

Being outdoors can intensify the yoga experience in many ways. Embracing rather than battling the elements: a breeze can accompany the breath, the warm sun can deepen poses by making muscles more pliable, and a ladybug can invite you to focus on something small and still.

Erdogan turchia migranti — Practicing yoga in mountain huts. Photo by YogaMonterosa

Yoga for rock climbers

The amazing discovery made by numerous climbers is that climbing gives the feeling of practicing vertical yoga poses. Climbing also draws on the strengths you cultivate on the mat like emphasising chest and hip openings or building upper-body strength. The most important crossover between the two disciplines is mental focus: when you’re concentrating in yoga, you reach the point where it becomes effortless, just like in climbing. You get a sense of ownership about what you can do and your mind and body are working in unison.

Whether you’re a longtime practitioner, beginner, hiker, climber or simply curious about how yoga could benefit you, yoga outdoors has something special to offer everyone, take for example the yoga course goa india that has to do with the Himalayas.

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