Why Take Your Yoga and Mindfulness Practice Outdoors?
Have you ever stepped outside, taken a deep breath of fresh air, and felt a sense of calm wash over you? There’s something undeniably grounding about being in nature, and it’s no coincidence that many of us feel a deep sense of peace and clarity outdoors.
Yoga and mindfulness, when practiced outside, offer a unique opportunity to connect with ourselves and the world around us in a way that indoor settings just can’t replicate.
A Natural Remedy for the Mind
Science backs it up: being in nature is incredibly beneficial for mental health. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces cortisol levels (that’s your stress hormone) and boosts serotonin, which is linked to feelings of happiness and well-being. Combine that with the benefits of yoga and mindfulness, and you’ve got a powerful recipe for mental clarity and emotional balance.
Practicing outdoors also encourages mindfulness in a unique way. Whether it’s the feel of grass beneath your feet, the sound of birds overhead, or the warmth of the sun on your skin, nature invites us to be present. These sensory experiences are grounding, helping us to stay in the moment and tune into our bodies and minds.
Grounding and Connecting
When we practice yoga or mindfulness outside, we’re literally connecting to the earth - feet on the ground, hands in the dirt, or sitting among the trees. This grounding process, often called “earthing,” has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and enhance feelings of well-being. It’s not just about physical health, though; it’s about feeling rooted, steady, and connected to something bigger than ourselves.
This idea of perspective-taking is a core part of mindfulness. Standing beneath a vast sky or walking along the ocean can remind us of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. But rather than feeling insignificant, this connection to the macrocosm can be incredibly freeing. It shifts our focus from daily worries to a sense of awe and interconnectedness.
A Personal Journey with Nature
My love for the outdoors isn’t just a preference - it’s my sanctuary. After I had Tui, my middle daughter, I had postnatal depression. One of the practices that supported me during that time was walking in the bush with my kids. We’d find new tracks to explore, breathe in the fresh air, and marvel at the beauty of the natural world. It didn’t cure everything, but it helped me hold steady in the storm. It reminded me of the simple joys and the grounding power of being outside.
Now, most of my life revolves around the outdoors. Whether it’s time spent with our horses or practicing yoga under an open sky, nature is where I feel most alive and at ease.
Being with the horses has a meditative quality - it’s a mindful dance of connection, presence, and mutual respect. These moments have deeply influenced my teaching and personal practices.
An Invitation to Connect
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning, I encourage you to step outside and experience the magic of practicing in nature. Feel the earth beneath you, breathe in the open air, and let yourself be part of something bigger.
Here’s to finding peace, perspective, and presence - one breath at a time, under the great outdoors.
Jess x
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