Yoga Outdoors- a Yoga Journal interview with Jane

Angela Pirisi from Yoga Journal saw that I teach yoga on the lake and contacted me about a feature she’s writing on outdoor yoga.  Here’s how the interview went, I’ll let you know when the article comes out.  My Answers are in blue. May you be outside as often as possible and may you be well!

Peace,

Jane

1. Traditionally, what’s the connection between yoga and outdoors or nature?
For instance, there’s sun salutation, mountain pose, tree pose, etc. I’ve also read that yoga was originally done outdoors to connect with Nature or the Universe. Any thoughts?

I did a bit of research here on the origin of yoga and learned that in the main texts of the yoga tradition, there is not a mention of or connection between nature and yoga, at least not a formal mention in Patanjali’s yoga sutras specifically, which have come to encompass hatha yoga.   Someone well versed in the yogic scriptures may be able to draw a specific correlation between hatha yoga and nature in the ancient texts.

I do know that after the philosophy of yoga evolved, many physical asana developed from the yogis study of the world, the Earth, and how animals move and relax. Patanjali implies in the yoga sutras that yoga postures, though movements of the body, are actually meant to prepare the yogi for comfortable stillness and seated meditation.  As the entire world spins and is alive with energy, so too it my appear still or unmoving. In the stillness of the posture, there is movement of  breath and prana, the same energy flowing through us that flows through the entire world.

By putting your body into the shape of a tree or a stretching cat, by exploring the graceful wingspan of a bird or the fluidity of the sun salute, by breathing with the same cyclical sense as the tides or with an ocean sound, you will evoke a sense of harmony, timelessness and connection to the Universe.  Being in nature puts individual problems in perspective. We can tend to hide ourselves inside our homes and jobs, egos, hurry, worry, and stress,.  When we go out into the world, specifically to practice yoga, we are breaking down barriers of isolation on many levels and opening ourselves up to new space and ways of bring in the world.

2. What do you see as some of the benefits of taking your asanas and breath work out of the studio? What do you get outdoors that you don’t get inside?

Each breath connects us to our planet.  The health and vitality of the earth play an important role in our own health and wellness.  For me, being outdoors and practicing yoga are both natural states that awaken me to expansiveness around me and within me. Treating the planet well, also means caring for ourselves. When I practice yoga outside I feel at home in my body and on the Earth, connected to the ground beneath me and open to the entire sky.  Fresh air oxygenates the lungs and fills the body with wellness.   In naturally flowing air, deep breathing sequences are quite fulfilling and the invigoration of asana has a refreshing quality to it.

The silence available outdoors helps to open the heart, mind, and create a sense of contemplation.  The firm ground beneath, the cool breeze, the whispering trees or birds- each is an invitation  to cultivate meditative awareness.

3. Are there do’s and don’ts related to sun, heat, cold, and surfaces (I.e.

I live in Vermont and we experience about 6 months of winter here.  Though I don’t recommend unraveling your mat on any icy driveway, there’s something magical about heating your body with a warrior two, perhaps even on snowshoes, while snowflakes land softly on your nose.   Try yoga outside, despite the weather, as long as you’re protected from the elements, both sun and snow.

Most sticky mats don’t appreciate overheating.  A beach towel works great for warm surfaces.  When I’m on the grass, I enjoy barefoot yoga but many of my students like to unroll a mat.  In the sand, I also adore bare feet and direct contact- especially during standing poses. For seated postures and shavasan on the beach, I use a towel or beach blanket. I do not recommend a sticky mat in the sand, unless you have a devoted outdoor mat for weekend outings, camping trips, etc, but some people prefer to compact the sand by lying a mat down to practice.  Try practicing on the beach with and without your mat to see what works best for you. and grass

In any case, the best mats are eco-friendly!

4. Do uneven surfaces add a challenge or make it easier?

I find a slight variance in natural terrain can focus balance more than a flat floor.  If some folks feel distracted by uneven ground, I invite them to use the distraction as opportunity to find some, peace, patience, and center.

5. I’ve seen some people with and without a mat at the beach or in a wooded area, so I wonder what teachers recommend.

(Please see answer # 3 here as well)  Depending on the terrain, you may or may not need a yoga mat.  I would carry one on outdoor outings to be safe because it’s always nice to have the option.  On a smooth warm rock you may not want a mat but on crunchy pine needles during forest sadhana, it’s necessary!
6. Is there a time of day that’s best? Early morning or evg (moonlight)?

Many wise teachers and traditions find the best practice hours to be early morning- between 5 and 7 am.  I enjoy practice thoroughly during this time, certainly outside or at least near a window.  any time of day or eve that has inviting temperature and a certain softness is a perfect time to practice !

NAMASTE!