Deepen your sense of connection to the world around you and to the space inside you by taking the time to focus on nature. This week’s yoga classes are focused on nature and a few are even filmed outdoors. Nature reminds us to appreciate the singing of birds, the kiss of a soft breeze, the smell of flowers, and the feel of the earth beneath our feet. Nature helps us live in the present moment.
One way to harness the power of yoga and nature is to set up your yoga mat outside. Breathing and flowing in the fresh air helps remind us of our connection to Mother Earth and how we are part of something greater than ourselves. It’s easier to feel at one with the universe when you’re immersed in it. Grab your phone or tablet and try one of this week’s classes in your backyard or at the beach.
If you’re stuck inside, try one of our classes filmed outdoors and enjoy the visuals. Yoga uses the symbolism of the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether in its philosophy from everything to each chakra being associated with an element, like Muladhara being the element earth, and Svadhistana reflecting water, and Manipura as fire. Yoga and the natural world are intertwined.
Often, yoga teachers offer instructions like rooting down into the earth in Mountain Pose (Tadasana) or spreading upwards like the branches of a tree in Tree Pose (Vrksasana). Another way yoga invokes nature is through poses named for animals like Eagle (Garudasana), Crow (Bakasana), and Tortoise (Kurmasana). When we spread our wings or hone our focus, we are pulling in the power of these wild creatures to feel connected to the universe.
Connection is one of the most important goals in yoga and flowing with nature keeps us grounded in the here and now. Join us this week in a celebration of nature with these four themed classes.
Upper Body Release with Erin Wimert
Ali Duncan - Water Flow
Kylie Larson - You are Resilient AF
Dana Hanizeski - Heal Your Back with Iyengar Yoga