Outdoor Yoga For Wellness

Be honest: How much time do you spend staring at a screen each day?  For most Americans, that number clocks in about 7 hours a day!  And who says there is no time for exercise, meditation,  a sit down dinner and yoga practices? Where we place our time is our priority.  Our increasing reliance on technology, combined with a global trend toward urban living, means many of us are spending ever less time outdoors—even as scientists compile evidence of the value of getting out into the natural real world. 

There are many mental wellness benefits associated with being outside in green spaces, such as lower risk of depression and faster psychological stress recovery. Studies have shown that being in nature can restore and strengthen our mental capacities, increasing focus and attention. Just this am I took a stroll near the lake to center myself before starting to write this monthly newsletter. As you might know, I am happier teaching classes, and even cleaning bathrooms. I needed all the help could get to focus because writing is not on my favorite list of things to do.  Getting out in nature, practicing yoga, making art and cooking are on my favorite things list for maintaining wellness. I look to the outdoors for healing, centering and spiritual connection.  The mountains and trails in my home town kept me sane through Covid, the Hudson River that flows in two directions is my go to for morning walks reminding me that I don't have to always move forward and the wildlife marsh is my place for my personal mish-mash of asana, pranayama, mediation  and prayer practices done amongst the birds and the flowers.

 I am so happy to get outdoors and offer you some yoga classes and special celebrations with Yoga, Music and Art.

Join me to move and breathe together through a well-rounded vinyasa class that has many options to be challenged, supported and inspired to play down by the riverside.    All are welcome for this donation based class   specific Wednesdays 6:30-7:45pm at Dockside Park, Cold Spring, NY ----  

From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Most research so far has focused on green spaces such as parks and forests, and researchers are now also beginning to study the benefits of blue spaces, places with river and ocean views. But nature comes in all shapes and sizes, and psychological research is still fine-tuning our understanding of its potential benefits. In the process, scientists are charting a course for policymakers and the public to better tap into the healing powers of Mother Nature.  

Let’s pay homage to our sacred land we borrow and to the power of the almighty Sun with a special opportunity to practice yoga with me outside once again on the magnificent lawn at Boscobel House & Gardens in Cold Spring, NY. This time we will be moving through a well-rounded asana class to the sounds of Angela singing in celebration of the Solstice. This yoga class is geared for all levels with numerous options for challenges and moments for personal surrender and communal dedication to the Sun!

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s -Peter James has advice on how to get the most benefit from time spent outdoors. James explained that biophilia—our innate human instinct to connect with nature—might be why being outdoors helps us feel better. He noted “the ability to recover from stress is better in natural settings, because that’s where we are meant to be. Just the idea of getting out, being in nature, looking at a tree—the theory is that this helps you to recover from stress, improves your mental health, and improves cognition. It’s just a direct pathway into deeper awareness.

Now is the time to get outdoors and practice yoga. You might even want to bring a friend. Remember, yoga doesn't need a mat, just your awareness that you are connected to this Earth, Sun, Moon, Stars, Sky and others …

Will you take time away from your technology and set the priority to practice yoga and be outdoors with me?  I hope so!

  

Let’s get outside

And move & breathe together !

OM SHANTI

Dani

PS

I will bring the bug spray; you’ll need to bring a mat, blanket and a water bottle. (And you know, I’m saying bring some props!)