In a bustling world filled with endless distractions, there's something truly magical about reconnecting with nature through the practice of yoga.
Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting a semi-impromptu "Yoga at the Park" session. Semi-impromptu because I was there to check out the local park, see how the environment feels, sounds, and "smells" like, and to host a hatha yoga session for complete beginners with the yoga asanas (or yoga postures) being dictated by what they need at that moment.
It was largely a space exploration for me and for the attendees, a mind-body exploration under the open sky and amidst the gentle embrace of nature (with joggers and fitness enthusiasts along the concrete portion of the park).
The (Wet) Ground Beneath Our Mats
Honestly, I wasn't sure if it would turn out well because it had been raining the past couple of days. But it's like the sun wanted to make it work and shone brightly for us as smooth clouds passed by.
The ground was wet-ish but firm enough when we rolled out our picnic mats. As we wouldn't be practicing any rigorous flows or complex poses, we ended up not using the yoga mats but stayed on the picnic mats, instead. The feeling of the cool earth beneath our picnic mats was enough to instantly ground us, making poses like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Vrksasana (Tree Pose) feel more meaningful and alive.
The Symphony of Nature
Of course, it's not a "perfect" setting if you're used to the studio set-up or the comfort of your at-home practice.
But one of the most enchanting aspects of that day's practice was the symphony of sounds and the variety of smells that enveloped us. From the chirping of birds to the cadence of joggers' feet, the faint music played by a group of TikTok dancers, the gentle background music of one practicing his Tai Chi, and our own background music, one could easily get distracted. But the beauty is that in the mindful practice of yoga, all of these become the energy that help support the yogi in cultivating focus, acceptance, and equanimity.
At some point, the scent of wee and poo from pets also came in and even that was a challenge that, if not for our focus in the practice, would have been disruptive. Thinking back, I'm still surprised at how I find my judgment of the situation miniscule compared to the sense of peace and gratitude I felt for having practiced under the sun with other yogis.It's all a part of the messiness and beauty of life and living with others—acknowledging your own sense of control and of that which are beyond your control. And it's alright.
Basking in Sunlight
The gentle warmth of the sun on our skin also added dimension to the practice. Especially when you're used to the studio and at-home practice, having the heat and light of the sun help awaken the senses. When you lie in Savasana (Corpse Pose) or extend in Vrksasana, you can feel yourself receiving the sun's warmth with open arms (Savasana) or find yourself lengthening and reaching for it (Vrksasana). If we had practiced the Sun Salutations, I'm 100% sure that the added warmth will allow more of the body's stagnant energy to flow while the breath and sweat stoke the fire within and release the toxicities out.
Feeling the Earth Beneath Our Feet
Yoga at the park wasn't just about poses but about connecting with the texture of the earth itself. The earth can feel uncomfortable as much as it can bring a sense of stability. It was all about how we connected with it. In balancing poses as well as poses with our knees down, the earth can feel unstable and uncomfortable reminding us of ways to either adjust or persevere (neither option is wrong). In standing, seated, and lying down poses, the earth can feel welcoming like a mother's embrace, allowing us to feel secure to explore and at peace.
Mind-Body Awareness
Beyond the exploration of the space, the essence of our (hatha) yoga practice at the park was in holding poses, breathing, and holding space for the self. With every asana, the intention was to cultivate a deep sense of mind-body awareness. Each stretch, each breath, was an invitation to appreciate the incredible capabilities of our bodies and the power of our breath to bring us into the present moment.
It was all the more special, too, that we ended our 90-minute practice with a grounding meditation. Sitting in silence, feeling the gentle wind cool our bodies, our minds clear, our hearts open, and our spirits lifted; the sense of gratitude was filling.
There isn't much to say by way of weaving and concluding this post to make it profound except to only describe the feeling of and intention for every portion of it. I can't even say that there is a full overarching message in this post, except that if you haven't experienced practicing yoga at the park yet, you should.
You don't need to go very far. You don't need to pay an arm and a leg. You only need your yoga mat, your body, your open heart, and also people who'll share the energy and experience with you.
Yoga at the park, in the company of fellow seekers, under the warmth of the sun, and surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, is a profound experience. It's a reminder that our bodies are capable of incredible feats, and our souls thrive when immersed in the beauty of the natural world and the company of others. As a Yoga & Mindfulness Coach, I can't help but feel grateful for moments like these, where I can guide others in their journey towards balance, harmony, and self-discovery.
Have you practiced yoga at the park before? Share your experience in the comments! I'd like to know what's your favorite thing about it.
