Today, modern society by the means of countless articles, videos and wrong perception is locating yoga culture within a spacious, candlelit studio with mats carefully aligned on polished wooden floors. Yoga means “union” including union with nature, which is truly felt when practiced outdoors.
I am ok with practicing yoga within confines of a studio. But whenever possible, I go for the real thing instead of settling for the replica of natural outdoor settings. Four powerful forces of nature have the potential to improve everyone’s mindset as air, water, earth and fire are constantly acting in our lives and within ourselves.
Activate the four elements of nature
You are totally engaged with the earth element when walking barefoot. This unique connection decreases stress and depression and improve general health and wellbeing. Direct contact with the earth can also help develop your microbiome. When you are on a hike to yoga adventure, entire experience is intensified. Element of fire is incorporated by simply absorbing the sunlight. Outdoor yoga on Strandhill beach is where the sunlight helps to boost your mood and energy, not to mention vitamin D. And yes, we do have hot sunny days in Ireland and spending that time outside is rejuvenating. Just remember to stay hydrated – mats are provided.
When joining me for beach yoga experience, you are exposed to the calming effect of water. Wild Atlantic Ocean washes off your headaches and keep your mind functioning optimally. If surfing is also your thing, your wellbeing adventure will be enhanced by decreased feelings of anxiety, and general relaxation of the body. Also breathing exercise is enhanced by clean and fresh outdoor air. Northwest coast has little problem with air pollution, so every wellbeing adventure has positive effects on your central nervous system. Yoga and meditation are rooted in breathing exercises, so focusing on the air you breathe and how you breathe can have positive mental health benefits.
Going deeper with the personal yoga journey
My role is to get my students to think in terms of embracing rather than battling elements. When you are aware and focusing on breathing deeply and practicing stillness, your perspective changes. In that mindful moment a breeze reminds you to deepen your breathing. The warmth of sunshine tells you to deepen your poses by conscious flexing your muscles, so they become pliable. And if you lucky, a random insect can steal your attention, so you focus on something small.
Sand, grass and natural surfaces in general intensify a yoga posture and its physical benefits. Practicing yoga outdoors on uneven surface adds to the level of complexity and helps to build strength in the secondary muscles.
There are Myths and Legends that testify to the healing energies of the lands along the northwest coast of Ireland. I have always felt a strong connection to the hills and mountains surrounding Co. Sligo and can’t help wanting to climb every high point to connect with nature in this special place through yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Through each practice a simple hill walk becomes a healing experience, a self-indulgent excursion into nature releasing to mother earth the worries that constrict you and absorbing a universal life-force energy the serves to replenish your souls purpose. We each have the power to sooth and heal ourselves, you can learn how to absorb the energy of these wild and healing lands to support you on your journey.
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