I have taught Outside yoga briefly before the pandemic. The occasional weekend class in a friends garden and when I worked at a health retreat during the summer months. It was something we did because our usual yoga space was booked up. However after lockdown there was only outside yoga classes, no chance of going to a studio or a village hall, a grass area or the beach was the only place not even a garden was allowed.

The idea suddenly came to my mind one sunny morning when I was doing a Zoom class and still am, but there was something missing— the outside world.

I contacted some students to see what they thought. Some were up for it without hesitation, they had a heartfelt wish to go outdoors, some were a bit apprehensive and some said not yet.

At first I was only allowed to teach five people from other household’s and now I can at the time of writing have up to thirty.

I went on a mission to find a place that would be suitable, that patch of grass that would feel just right. It wasn’t easy , too windy, no shade , no parking too exposed! Then I found just what I was looking for a lovely public garden perfect.

At last the day came meeting up from a distance, seeing our friends again and then yoga.

There are many reasons why outside yoga has such a wonderful affect on our wellbeing and here are a few; Seeing and meeting others, friends of old and new people joining for the first time. Making eye contact and seeing the whole body of another person, conversation and connection. Knowing you are not alone. Being in the fresh air helps us to feel safe. Being outside rather than being stuck in doors especially for those who do not have a garden. The company of like minded people. Being able to talk to others about your lockdown experiences. Yoga practice its self, my teaching is slow mindful yoga using all the limbs of yoga, asana, pranayama, meditation and of course relaxation. This is all so helpful to lift us up and feel more positive about our lives. Getting out in a safe environment can be very helpful for those who are experiencing anxiety.

We stretch our bodies, breathe in fresh air and let our lungs get rid of stale air. This is so helpful for our immune system and circulation. When we do our yoga in the fresh air we capture something that’s not easy to put into words, its the experience that can only be felt. This is felt on all levels, physical, mental and emotional .

Outside yoga helps us to use all our five senses on a much deeper level, we also notice what’s going on in the outside world , from week to week we notice the changes in the plants and trees the seasons changing, even the weather makes the whole class different. this is a wonderful teacher knowing that permanence is non existent and we can only go with life one breath at a time. There is also something nice about having a sense of routine, coming to a weekly class puts our week into perspective and this is so helpful for our body clock. If you are interested in joining the outside group please contact me for more details. We hope to continue into the late Autumn and then restart in the Spring.