Finding Your Roots — Hitting the Mat Outside
Nature can truly be the best medicine - there is no greater feeling than a little bit of fresh air and sunshine on your skin. Add a little bit of yoga into the mix & you've got the perfect recipe for showing your body some self love.
With Earth Day approaching, we decided to do just that... get outside and hit the mat! Through our practice we can allow ourselves to pause and enjoy the moment, each time we step onto the mat learning something new about ourselves and even our surroundings. We are reminded that every once in a while it is good so slow down and enjoy the view! So, I’m here so show you some of my favorite yoga poses that can be done any time, any place - especially outdoors!
Seated Meditation — A symbol of unity between the individual and the universe, this Mudra is believed to bring concentration, creativity and is a gesture of knowledge. Sit tall reaching the crown of your head towards the sky. Gently close the eyes and allow your shoulders to relax away from the ears and your heart to pour open. Imagine yourself rooted into the earth creating a connection from the base of your tailbone reaching up through your spine towards the sky. Take 5 deep belly breaths or stay here as long as you would like.
Downward Facing Dog —Begin in a table top position with hands placed a few centimeters from the shoulders, tuck your toes and begin to lift your knees off the mat, moving your hips towards the sky. Spread fingers wide and create a strong base distributing your weight evenly throughout the finger tips, reach heels towards the mat, engage shoulders. Your goal is to be in an upside down “V” shape, creating as little rounding in the back as possible.
Pigeon Pose — From downward facing dog, inhale and reach your right leg up, flexing your right foot and pointing your toes toward the mat. As you exhale, bring your right knee in towards your nose and over towards your right wrist while your ankle moves toward the left. Keep your back leg straight behind you. Inhale reach your heart up, exhale walk your hands out to a comfortable position. Repeat on your left leg.
Mermaid — While in "Pigeon Pose" reach back with your right hand towards the right foot. Begin to bend the elbow and place the right foot into the elbow crease. Inhale, reach the left hand up and overhead to interlock hands.
Kneeling Hamstring Lunge — Extend one leg out and send energy through your toes by flexing the foot. Begin to take your heart towards your knee deepening the stretch in your hamstring. Repeat on the opposite side.
Tree Pose — Begin in a standing position with feet together and hands at your heart center. Begin to lift one leg, bending at knee and placing the foot below or above the opposite knee. Root yourself into your mat and grow tall as you find your center of balance. Repeat on opposite side.
To challenge yourself further - try closing your eyes and reaching your arms wide sending energy into your fingertips
Challenge Pose — Give it a try!
Headstand — Begin kneeling on your mat. Grab forearms to determine the size of your base, elbows should be shoulder width. Interlock hands and set the crown of your head on the mat. Begin to lift the hips and walk the legs in. Slowly lift legs upward as you engage your core. Take a few moments to become aware of your body and surroudnings as the world has been flipped upside down.
Challenge Pose — Give it a try!
Eight Angle Pose — Start in a seated position with knees bent. Then twist to the right and place right hand outside right hip and left hand between the legs lining the hands up with each other. Cross bottom foot across top foot, hooking the toes. Begin to rock forward, tipping out to the right side leaning as far forward as you can. Straighten the legs by squeezing the thighs around the right tricep. Repeat on the opposite side!
As you end your practice, take a few deep breaths of gratitude for the universe and showing your body some kindness. Send the planet some positive vibes and enjoy the rest of your Earth Day!
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