I have always loved practicing yoga outdoors—there’s something truly magical about connecting with nature while moving my body. As a nature lover, I can’t help but feel most at home when I’m surrounded by trees, grass, and fresh air. Whenever the weather turns even slightly inviting, I take the opportunity to take my practice outside, where I can enjoy the full sensory experience of the natural world around me.
When I practice outdoors, I rarely use a mat, and it’s fascinating how different that feels. In traditional yoga settings, the cue to “ground” ourselves is something that we hear often. It’s a reminder to center ourselves, to feel rooted, to connect with the earth beneath us. But when practicing indoors, especially in an urban studio, it can sometimes be hard to achieve that grounding feeling. The walls, the artificial lighting, and even the floor beneath our feet can disconnect us from the sensation of being fully connected to the earth.
It’s strange, isn’t it? In modern life, we can sometimes forget that we are a part of nature, that we are born of the earth, and that the earth provides us with everything we need—our food, our shelter, our very sustenance. The distance we put between ourselves and nature grows more every day, whether it’s by wearing shoes that block our connection to the ground or walking on hard concrete that feels so far removed from natural soil. We are so accustomed to this modern disconnect that it takes effort to re-establish that bond with the earth.
But when I practice outdoors, grounding becomes effortless. It’s natural to kick off my shoes and let my feet meet the earth. I can feel the coolness of the damp grass between my toes, and it’s a sensation that instantly makes me feel alive and in tune with the world around me. The earth beneath me feels supportive, and the connection to the ground brings a profound sense of calm and stability. The simple act of standing barefoot on the earth makes everything else fade into the background.
And it’s not just about feeling the earth underfoot. The natural world offers so much more to enrich the experience. The gentle breeze flows over my skin, and the scent of grass or flowers fills the air. I can hear the birds singing, their voices blending into the peaceful rhythm of my breath. Sometimes I can even see the birds nesting in nearby trees, which is such a beautiful, quiet reminder of the delicate cycles of life happening around me. It’s a constant, gentle invitation to slow down and be present in the moment.
Another aspect I love is the way the practice flows with nature. When I’m practicing to my favorite teachers from Movement for Modern Life, I often find myself laughing with joy when a teacher cues me to “look at the ceiling” and instead of looking at a sterile ceiling, I gaze up at the vast, bright blue sky above. It’s as if the entire world becomes my space for practice. The sun shines down, warm and comforting, and I can feel its rays filling me with energy. There’s no artificial lighting, no four walls. Just open space and the beauty of the sky.
The experience of practicing yoga outdoors also brings with it a sense of freedom. There’s something deeply liberating about being in the open air, not confined by walls or limits. With every breath and movement, I feel more expansive, not just in my body but also in my mind and spirit. It’s like a reminder that our true nature is vast and infinite, and practicing yoga outdoors helps me tap into that limitless energy that surrounds us.
Ultimately, my outdoor yoga practice is a gift I give myself—a way to reconnect with both nature and my inner self. It reminds me that we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves, and that feeling grounded isn’t just about being physically rooted, but also about aligning with the natural world around us. Whether it’s feeling the earth under my feet, hearing the birds sing, or basking in the sunshine, practicing outdoors brings me a sense of peace and joy that I can’t find anywhere else.
