Nature Yoga on Forest Paths

Yoga is deeply rooted in the concept of blending movement with healing, offering relief from physical ailments and potentially even shedding light on some of life's profound philosophical questions. Many practitioners have found diverse benefits through yoga, yet some have also noticed that regular practice sometimes requires a battle of wills. Exploring the multi-faceted philosophy of yoga does not always make the practice easier, especially when the concepts remain unfamiliar and the goals seem distant.

Nature Heals the Body and Senses

Perhaps some of the ancient yogis and ascetics faced similar challenges and decided to retreat into the forests. Maybe their minds also calmed more easily when they were freed from the expectations of their contemporary society.

Modern people don't have to become hermits, but a change of scenery now and then might also point today's yoga practitioners in a new direction. Why not follow in the footsteps of the ancient forest yogis and head into nature to practice in an environment where the influence of humans and society is minimal? Whether called forest yoga or nature yoga, it is a suitable method for many who wish to recharge, disconnect from everyday life and their own expectations, and let nature nurture their body and senses.

According to growing research, even a short visit to nature benefits health. Physical activity strengthens the body, while simply being in nature uplifts the mind. Outdoor exercise provides added benefits compared to indoor activities, such as improved mood, and just fifteen minutes in nature has been shown to have a positive impact. With science advocating so strongly for movement in nature, it is surprising that we don't combine yoga and outdoor activity more often to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and natural surroundings.

Starting Off with an Accessible Approach

The advantages of being active in nature are clear: these methods are available to almost everyone, usually free of charge, effective at relieving various types of stress, and often easy to implement. You can start simply, with a low-threshold approach: take a walk in a nearby natural area, pause occasionally to do a few easy yoga exercises, tune into the sounds or scents around you, and breathe in the fresh air. The results are guaranteed. If you become more enthusiastic, you can explore newer methods that pair well with yoga, like the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or "forest bathing," or the Finnish-developed Metsämieli method. These involve moderate physical movements, simple mindfulness, and sensory exercises, which can even be practiced in a local park.

For a stronger and more profound experience, pack a sleeping bag and provisions in your backpack and set out for several nights along forest trails, mountain paths, or waterways in a canoe. This way, you can combine being and moving in nature with yoga, creating a retreat-like experience where nature and the environment take on the role of the teacher.

Nature Begins to Communicate

Those experienced in hiking and navigation may hear the call of their wandering ancestors and discover a deeper sense of connection through solo trekking. When the chatter of a group is replaced by immersion in nature, observation, and simple living free from the burden of excess information, one can come close to understanding some fundamental questions. As hiking author Jouni Laaksonen puts it, the solo hiker is truly alone — but also in the company of nature.

A longer nature journey might seem intimidating, but with careful planning, you can set out with confidence. There's no need to fear nature. The greatest danger is human impact on oneself and the environment. Practical considerations include a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a tick check after passing through grassy areas.

When the yoga path and the nature trail merge, one day the traveler may find that the philosophical thoughts that once occupied the mind fall into place and gain new meaning, no longer weighing heavily. Instead, nature begins to communicate with those who listen. There, you may find shapes, scents, animal tracks, or even remnants of ancient cultures. You'll witness various weather conditions and seasonal changes and, above all, countless life forms in astonishing biodiversity, each with a purpose as vital as that of the traveler passing by.

In spring, diverse greens emerge from the earth, and the sounds of numerous birds blend with dreamscapes during nights spent outdoors. In summer, the sun warms and the water cools the skin. In autumn, the stargazer sees the past laid out in the sky, and in winter, it may feel as though a lone raven or crow are the only other beings present when skiing toward a wilderness cabin.

Spend Time Abundantly

Consider what kind of path and landscape would be ideal for your nature yoga. Is it a river or lake view, a marsh, forest, or mountain, near or far, and what do your time and resources allow? Then, take a map, make a plan, pack some provisions in your backpack, and set off on your adventure. On these paths, there is room for your unique way of practicing physical, mental, and mindful presence.

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

– Shakespeare –

In nature yoga, you can freely try the same exercises as you would in a studio, but let go of overly technical practice. Replace your yoga mat with moss or rocks, go barefoot — and most importantly — become aware of nature, rather than just repeating the forms or sequences of your practice.

Hide the minute hand on your watch and sync your body to nature's time, sometimes walking deliberately slowly, feeling the pine needles, leaning with closed eyes against an old tree or rock, sensing the wind, and inhaling the scents. Spend time abundantly on this. Don't rush, pause for longer periods, observe your surroundings, and remember to store the impressions in your memory so that you can recall their effects once you're back home.