SPRING
2022
Yoga outdoors and back to nature
Practicing yoga in the open air allows you to perceive the embrace of nature, listen to the breath of the Earth and reconnect your deepest self to it. Yoga deeply connects those who practice it to the elements and energy of the universe. One of the meanings of the Sanskrit word yoga is precisely "union", "connection". If you develop your awareness with yoga, you can analyze your connection with the earth and the surrounding environment. Living in the city, far from Mother Earth, can cause the onset of stress-related diseases. This detachment hurts both people and the planet. You just have to start getting to know yourself and practicing yoga outdoors can be a great starting point.
The return to nature
Yoga teaches us to be one with nature and the universe. That is why many asanas (postures) carry a name derived from an animal or, in general, from nature. Creating the figure of a tree with the body or imitating the graceful wingspan of a bird by breathing to the rhythm of the tidal cycles or following the motion of the waves evokes a sense of harmony, timelessness and connection with the universe. Yoga is usually practiced indoors, but when it is practiced outdoors it gives a feeling of union with nature. Breath after breath you feel that inner peace that was missing for some time.
Trekking yoga
Practicing yoga in nature means being ready to connect with the environment. Yoga trekking, invented in Italy in 2001 by Paolo Ricci, is a new way of discovering yourself by walking with constant steps, taking time to meditate and focus on breathing. Otherwise known as meditation in motion, in yoga trekking the analysis of one's self and one's ascent is linked to climbing a mountain. The more you walk and breathe slowly, the clearer your mind is from overwhelming thoughts. Walking and breathing one meditates and tries to find one's position (asana) in nature through controlled breathing (pranayama). Being outdoors can intensify the experience in many ways. In these conditions you enter into harmony with the elements, you no longer try to fight them: the wind accompanies your breath, the heat of the sun makes your muscles more flexible and a ladybug can invite you to focus on something small and immobile.
Yoga for climbers
Many climbers have found that climbing feels like vertical yoga poses. Climbing also has the same effects as practicing yoga: it favors the opening of the chest and hips and strengthens the upper body. The most important commonality between the two disciplines is mental concentration. When you concentrate on yoga, you get to a point where you don't feel fatigue in performing the exercises, such as in climbing. You have the positive feeling of being in control of what you can do and the mind and body work in unison. Outdoor yoga is able to offer anyone something special, both experts and beginners, hikers and climbers but also those who are simply curious to know the benefits of this activity.
Credits to lifegate.it