On April 22, 2020, the world unites together to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day. This celebration of a universal commitment to protecting the earth can be embodied in the yogic concept of Ahimsa or Non-harming. Yoga practice, comprised of the earth’s elements of earth, air, fire, water, and ether, naturally honors our planet. Use Earth Day to remind yourself of your connection to it.
Fifty years ago, Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator, was shocked at the damage from an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. The event ignited a fire in him for action to protect our environment. Once people saw how smog and oil spills left rivers so polluted they burst into flames, and damage from corporate waste were destroying the Earth, they joined the cause. On April 22, 1970, 10% percent of the U.S. population took to the streets in hundreds of cities to protest environmental pollution and demand change for our planet. Earth Day is the result.
2020’s Earth Day theme is climate action––considered to be the most pressing issue for preserving our planet. In order to preserve our planet for future generations, adopting efforts to protect and renew the environment are key.
Because we are in unprecedented times with Covid-19, instead of the usual gatherings held to celebrate Earth Day, most of us are celebrating at home.
What can you do to commemorate and honor our planet? If you have a yard or a space to practice yoga outdoors, dig your toes into the grass. If you’re in an urban environment where getting outside isn’t viable at the moment, open the windows and enjoy the kiss of fresh air.
Here are four yoga poses that will help you tune in and connect to Mother Earth and our global community wherever you are:
Balasana (Child's Pose).
Press your third-eye center against the mat and tune into your connection to the earth.
Ustrasana (Camel Pose).
Open your heart up toward the sky and find a sense of expansiveness.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
Stand with your feet firmly planted to the earth and take comfort in its support beneath you. Always.
Vrksasana (Tree Pose).
Root down into the earth and extend up toward the sky and find the balance between solidity and lightness.
This week’s yoga classes are earth-themed classes centered around animals, getting grounded, practicing poses inspired by nature, and simply focusing on your connection to the planet.
1. Jeanie Manchester - Saraswati Flow
2. Caitlin Rose Kenney - Tree Meditation
3. Lindsay Gonzalez - Vinyasa: Hamstrings to Hanuman
4. Denelle Numis - Earth Yoga