I came to yoga much like many others in the West – through the doors of a yoga studio. In these settings, yoga is often viewed primarily as a fitness practice, with the focus placed on āsana, or physical postures. While it’s true that āsana and Hatha yoga – a style of yoga that integrates physical postures and breath control – play key roles in many Western yoga practices, they represent only one facet of a much broader discipline. The true essence of yoga extends far beyond physical movement; it is an introspective journey, offering practitioners tools for deep self-reflection and spiritual growth.
For many years, I wasn’t fully aware of this depth. I viewed yoga as primarily a way to stretch and build strength on the mat, a mental and physical exercise that was largely about fitness. However, everything changed when I embarked on my 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2020. This training shifted my perspective and expanded my understanding of yoga beyond its physical aspects. Supported by my teacher, fellow students, and extensive self-study, I came to realize that yoga is not confined to the mat; it’s a way of life that can be practiced in every moment, in every space, and in every breath.
This realization first hit me in an unexpected place – on a hike. The Mugu Peak Trail, a favorite of mine in my hometown of California, was a spot I regularly visited for its stunning ocean views and challenging terrain. Usually, I would hike at a fast pace, focused on the workout rather than the journey. But on this particular day, I was in a different frame of mind. With my evolving yoga practice, which now emphasized mindfulness and meditation, I felt drawn to approach the hike with a new perspective.
I slowed down my pace and allowed myself to fully engage with the moment. I began to focus on my breath and my movement, letting go of any lingering stress or distracting thoughts. As I became more present, I noticed things I had never paid attention to before. I felt the rhythm of my breath as it quickened with each step, and I could sense my heart rate rising as I ascended the trail. I noticed the dust that swirled up with each footstep, the squirrels darting across my path, and the leaves brushing gently against my shoulders. It was as if I was seeing the trail, and the world around me, with fresh eyes.
With every step, I became more attuned to my surroundings, realizing how my movements affected the space I was in. The energy of the hike began to shift, and my focus slowed in tandem with my pace. By the time I reached the top of the peak, I was no longer thinking of the hike as a simple physical achievement. Yes, I had made it to the summit, but what struck me was the deeper, more profound appreciation for the beauty around me.As the coastline came into view, the vibrant colors of the sky seemed more alive, and the sound of the ocean became almost musical. The palm trees swayed in the breeze as if they were dancing in rhythm with the world. This moment felt different from all the other times I had stood at the top of this trail. Previously, I would have felt a sense of accomplishment, as though I had completed a workout. But today, I felt an intimate connection to the environment, as though the boundaries between nature and myself had dissolved.
In that moment, I understood something fundamental: yoga is not just a series of movements or stretches confined to a mat; it is a way of being. The meditation, the mindfulness, and the breath that I had been practicing on the mat were all transferrable to the world around me. I could practice yoga anywhere – on the trail, in the ocean breeze, in the rustling leaves. Yoga, I realized, was not a destination; it was an ongoing process, an internal journey that I could carry with me through every aspect of my life.
My time on the Mugu Peak Trail became a defining moment, one where I realized that nature and yoga were not separate practices but complementary forces. Hiking, once seen as just a physical activity, became an opportunity for mindful movement and meditation, a space where I could connect to my body, my breath, and the natural world around me. Through yoga, I had come to understand that being present in nature is, in itself, a yoga practice. And with that understanding, my practice expanded – not just on the mat, but in every step I take on this earth.
This shift in my perspective has remained with me ever since. As I continue my yoga journey, I am more aware of the connection between my inner self and the world around me. Whether on a hike, walking through a park, or even sitting quietly in my backyard, I now recognize that each moment holds the potential for mindfulness and yoga. It’s not about the poses or the postures – it’s about being fully present, fully alive, and fully connected to everything around us.
Source: https://smea.uw.edu/currents/finding-connection-to-nature-through-the-practice-of-yoga/
