Yoga in the Great Outdoors

June 22, 2011 by

Anyone who practices yoga can tell you how wonderful it makes you feel. There is something about yoga that is  unlike any other exercise program in that it works your whole being inside and out – body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is traditionally practiced indoors in a classroom orstudio setting…but taking your practice outside can open up a whole new world for you…literally!

One of the main tenets of yoga practice is learning greater awareness and presence. Awareness of being in the present moment and taking in all that you experience, fully. Most of our lives we are distracted by so many things – most particularly our own thoughts. The problem with our thoughts is that they are generally rooted in the past or the future, and the more we identify with our thoughts, the more we miss out on what is happening in the NOW. Being fully in the present and appreciating each moment as it arises requires practice, and being outside is such a joyful way to practice this. When we are outside in nature, there is so much to notice as it is happening…the sounds of birds chirping, the feel of warm sunshine on your skin, and the colorful sights of flowers and trees. Becoming aware of the beauty all around you helps you to appreciate your life and experience gratitude for just being alive.

Also, in yoga our bodies take the shape of many different things from nature – a tree, a dog, a cat, an eagle, a mountain. Taking your yoga mat outside will take your practice to a whole different level as you begin to identify with the feeling of oneness of all things in nature. Take your dog and your kids in the backyard and play with all the different shapes you see around you. It’s such a great family experience to share!

One note about practicing yoga outdoors…be sure to protect your skin from the sun! Always wear protective clothing and appropriate SPF for your skin. Under the shade of a tree, away from the direct rays of the sun, is the perfect place to place your yoga mat and have a quick “breather” in the middle of the day. Breathe, connect, be aware…and just be.

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Filed Under: Child/Teen Health, Healthy Skin, Integrative Wellness, Yoga
About Missy Balsam

Missy Balsam is a full-time yoga instructor living in Naples, FL. Missy graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Psychology, then worked as a sales and marketing executive for many years before leaving the corporate world behind to follow her heart. Missy completed her 200 hour certification with Baron Baptiste, and since 2007 has found her true path sharing her love of yoga with others. Missy’s teaching style is one of empowerment, inspiration, and joy, encouraging students of all levels to keep growing and evolving, discovering the happiness that is already inside of all of us. And...even when it’s challenging, to just have fun and not take it all so seriously!

In addition to teaching group and private yoga classes, Missy leads kirtan concerts with her band Wabi Sabi. Kirtan is call and response devotional yoga music and chanting, and is another form of yoga practice called Bhakti. She is passionate about sharing kirtan which, like yoga, has created boundless joy in her life. For more about Missy, visit her website www.missybalsamyoga.com, and her facebook page Missy Balsam Yoga.