As many individuals will attest, practising yoga outdoors is a remarkably special experience. Nature, be it the tranquillity of ocean waves or the lusciousness of woodlands, elevates one’s wellbeing, encouraging a deeper and more organic sense of focus that is elsewhere, especially in urban areas, more difficult to achieve.
However, that is not to say that simply taking one’s yoga mat to a meadow will automatically enable a fulfilling experience of natural harmony. There are actually a number of considerations that must be made when practising yoga outdoors, for one’s comfort and to ensure that the experience enhances your practice instead of hindering it.
Location, Location
A primary consideration is the quality of the environment that you plan on experiencing. Practising yoga in the morning sun at the bottom of a residential garden is a brilliantly simple way of enjoying the outdoors but it can be easily marred by potential noisiness. Public areas, such as hiking trails and parks are also popular places for yoga practitioners that are similarly susceptible to distractions, which is why it is important to explore these areas prior so as to determine a suitable and quiet location.
A Private Space
In addition to freeing oneself from distraction and stressors, yoga also requires the practitioner to enter a relatively vulnerable state. As such, and to be able to quieten one’s mind fully, privacy is a fundamental consideration. Choosing a place of distance from others is recommended, so as to relieve oneself from the anxiety of being interrupted. Some even choose to practice yoga on the water, mounting a paddleboard and taking themselves out to the peacefulness of a lake or ocean.
Climate Control
Being outdoors means being at the behest of nature. What might start out as a pleasant session may soon quickly be marred by a turning wind or wet ground. Be sure to err on the side of caution when stepping outdoors with your yoga mat. This means potentially bringing along extras, whether a blanket for warmth or sun protection for a hot day, so that your yoga session won’t be brought to a sudden end as the climate changes.
Join A Class
Practising yoga outside can be an intimidating experience for some, especially if they already experience anxiety. Participating in a group yoga activity can therefore be an appropriate way to enjoy yoga outdoors or even solely as a gateway to confidence, then allowing individuals the comfort and assurance to begin practising yoga outdoors.
Finding like-minded others can also encourage you to maintain practice too, increasing the likelihood that, even on days that you’re feeling less motivated, you’ll find yourself still willing to attend a session with a friend.
Bring A Towel
Carrying a cloth or towel along to your outdoor session is recommended as often you’ll find yourself and your mat covered in soil or sand at the end of the experience. Since dirt and debris become troublesome when carried away, it’s best to clean it off as soon as possible, especially since it can damage yoga mats over time.
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