2021 has been a crazy year for all of us. We have all been affected by this pandemic in one way or another, some of us tragically more so than others. If this year has taught us anything, it has led us to be self-reflective and take stock of what really matters. In times of great change, like now, we look within to find out what we truly need from life. One thing you might have decided that you need to work on is your overall health and wellness.
Yoga is a terrific form of exercise for balancing and centering your mind as well as your body. Staying home and socially distancing has been a critical factor in flattening the curve of this virus, and in many places, experiencing a second wave of infections – it will be a key factor once again. Here is a simple yet effective guide to mastering the art of practicing Yoga in your own backyard.
Table of Contents
Kit up! #
When it comes to paying for all of the supplies, It is worth splurging initially to invest in the best ones that are currently on offer. You pay for quality, and it will also help you get the longest possible use out of each item.
After that, all you really need is a comfy t-shirt, and you are all set. However, you can also choose to take a look at getting Yoga props if you do already have some experience. For example, straps, blocks, and sandbags can all be used to enhance your experience, but just be careful if you are only a beginner!
Pick A Comfortable Spot Outside #
Once you’ve got everything sorted, you can head outside and start observing your surroundings. Being one with nature goes hand in hand with centering your mind and spirit. Find a spot outside that is quiet and peaceful; you might even consider decorating the area to create an even more relaxing space.
Meditation gardens are surprisingly easy to create; all it takes is a bit of imagination and hard work! Add a few plants in ceramic planters for the backyard to bring in a touch of greenery and to balance energy to your chosen space. A water feature with boulders, koi fish, and blooming plants is also a great way to tie the area together. Sometimes breaking the silence of a space with gentle music or nature sounds is the perfect way to relax your mind. It really can make a big difference!
When setting up, make sure your spot gets plenty of suns to rejuvenate your mind and your soul. Vitamin D certainly does wonders for your health! Just make sure you have plenty of sunscreens; otherwise, you’ll have to look for some shade underneath a tree or on your deck!
Safety First #
Like most exercises, Yoga can be risky, especially as you may not have mastered all the moves just yet. While you might be inclined to snap a few pics of yourself practicing Yoga at the edge of your swimming pool, you should always be mindful of what might be risky and result in injury. All it takes is a simple fall, and you might injure yourself severely.
With winter on the way, having a 7 am splash in the pool will not fill your soul with joy – trust me. It is better to ensure that you are comfortable and not in any danger; the point of Yoga is to relax and breathe in the serene energy around you. Avoid tricky moves, and instead, focus on the basics first. This way, you can build up your resistance and flexibility before moving on to something a bit more dangerous. Practice makes perfect!
Posed Perfection #
The next step is to start selecting your favorite poses. There are hundreds of poses available on the internet, but remember, it can be beneficial to start with the simpler ones first! Stick to around five different poses, to begin with, so you can master them and truly reap the rewards. Once you’ve become an expert, select another five to add to your workout.
You want to be one with the natural world around you, breathe in the fresh air and feel the cool breeze around you – let the sun kiss your face as you breathe through your poses in the sanctuary of your own backyard. You’re not only helping out your physical health but also your mental wellbeing as well.
End with Gratitude #
Once you’ve finished your workout for the day, make sure to end your practice session lying down to realign yourself and your mind. Lying down allows your spine to lengthen fully and your back muscles to sink into the ground beneath you. You will feel your breathing quieten as your body, mind, and your soul begins to relax and recalibrate in the peaceful world around you. Cooling down is an essential part of any exercise, so don’t just get up and keep on going about your day as you might find yourself feeling a bit sore and stressed later on.
And that’s it. By following the tips above, you will be able to master backyard yoga and enjoy all the benefits of this relaxing and calming activity. With so many benefits for both the mind, body, and soul, you will feel more connected with yourself and healthier at the same time.
“Yoga is. Not a workout. It is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus on awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.”
Rolf Gates