There are wonderful yoga studios where you immediately feel good. But when the summer months arrive, many prefer to practice outdoors. Connecting to nature, being bathed in the rays of the sun and expanding your consciousness in harmony with your environment – there is nothing more beautiful.
In the heart of big cities or in the countryside, there is no shortage of outdoor yoga on offer. Besides enjoying the fresh air rather than smelling the unpleasant odors of sweat, there are many other good reasons to practice yoga outdoors:
SUN SALUTATION
The exercises are preferably practiced at sunrise – with the face turned towards the sun. It’s not. Let yourself be guided by your breath and connect to the power of the sun. Three to five outdoor sun salutations give you a much better start to the day.
MORE SPACE
Yoga studios usually only have limited space – more people means less space. By practicing yoga outdoors, the space around you is not restricted by walls and you enjoy sufficient freedom of movement. You can move your body however you want. Stretch more and practice more intensively.
VITAL ENERGY
The perception of the breath is a central element in yoga. The movements are synchronized with the correct breathing. Practicing yoga outdoors has a positive effect on your body and mind as you are in tune with yourself and the world around you.
INSPIRATION
From the chirping of birds to the whisper of the wind to the scent of flowers, nature can have a calming and inspiring effect on us. Outdoor yoga can be a source of strength, especially if you’re feeling uninspired or a bit lost right now. An outdoor yoga session will help you find yourself.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is vital and can, unlike other vitamins, be produced by the body itself. Influencers advertise vitamin pills, but your outdoor yoga practice gives you a natural vitamin boost. Yoga AND an extra dose of vitamin D… Isn’t that a real “win-win” situation?
BALANCE
Yoga in the great outdoors (on grass or sand) can quickly become a balancing act. However, the additional challenge has many advantages. On uneven ground, the work of balance is much better because, often, we already know a position well and we can, by practicing it on new ground, learn more about our body. Thereafter, some positions work even better once back on flat ground.
“WALKING MEDITATION”
When in the park you feel too stared at or can’t concentrate on your yoga practice, try a “walking meditation.” The idea of ”walking meditation” is to focus on the journey and not on the arrival, while becoming aware of the natural environment around us. As you walk, try placing your attention on one or more aspects that you normally take for granted, such as your breathing or the movement of your legs.
WHAT ARE THE POINTS TO CONSIDER FOR OUTDOOR YOGA?
Thick socks and a cozy sweater are always a good idea. Especially at the end of relaxation where it can get a little cooler. On sunny days, absolutely bring a small towel, a bottle of water and sunscreen. Also very useful: mosquito spray because these bloodthirsty little beasts most often arrive when you want to relax.
