Yoga Outside - Back to Basics? Think Again

Yoga and nature do have a very close connection.the sun, the breeze and the trees just to name a few.
Yoga meaning "union", and sometimes it feels like aThe experience freeing, free of walls, barriers, mirrors,
union between ourselves and the world around us -house dust, toys, dirty dishes and unfolded piles of
especially when we are practicing yoga outside. Manylaundry. Can't we all benefit from some free extra
of the yoga poses are named after natural featuresvitamin D? Depending on the scenery and location, you
such as tree pose and flower pose. Animals namescan get lost in the moment a lot easier than inside your
are also very common such as snake, cobra, turtleliving room! Making us aware of our really small part in
and butterfly. Just a very simple example to show thethis really big world. The experience can bring you
connection between yoga and nature.closer to nature, and that can benefit our bodies, our
I do feel that practicing yoga outside takes some extramind, our soul and nature itself. Making it less likely that
preparation including perhaps sunscreen, bug spray,we would hurt or damage our natural environment.
water and a different mat that you would normallyBringing us more in tune with ourselves and the world
use. I would question that it's "easier" than practicingaround us.
inside. Practicing outside can also take more focus asThere is also something to be said for practicing in a
it's harder to find a level piece of ground to work onstudio setting too. Some studio's create an unbelievably
and little bugs or dust can easily make you lose yourserene and restful atmosphere complete with
concentration. Also the temperature isn't as predicablefountains, natural products, controlled temperatures and
so I find myself taking extra layers on and offunbelievable sound tracks.
throughout my practice. Airplanes overhead orI think each location has it's time and place. Each one
motorcycles passing by certainly don't help either. Thehas it's charms and detractions. This summer pack
sun coming and going behind clouds can change youryour essential outside yoga supplies (sunscreen, bug
mood at a moments notice.spray, sunglasses, mat), or at least sunscreen and give
The rewards are unbelievable though. So all that aside,it a try.
practicing outside can be amazing as well rewarding;You won't regret it!