Recently I had the experience of teaching a 4 part yoga/mindfulness workshop series on our back patio. I was to provide this series within a large organization, and of course, the budget was cut. My svadyaya project for Prajna Yoga (Tias Littles' teacher training) depended on me writing, journaling, and facilitating this training. My dear hubby, bless his soul, suggested I do it in our backyard. I have to say the man is brilliant. For 21 years we’ve lived on an acre in the Sonoran Desert. We recently extended the patio, put in a few wonderful herb and flower planters, and a fountain. Of course!
You have to assume that asana and meditation practice was
not developed in a bamboo-floored studio in India, right? Standing in tadasana
and gazing at the Tucson Mountains, forming Vrksasana mimicking the limbs of
the majestic Sahauro cactus, and resting in savasana while
listening to the
wind in the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, we truly felt the connection of yoga
to the natural world.
And of course, the vast blue sky of the Arizona desert was the perfect likeness of big blue mind.
The flowers were meditative objects; the path of the yard was for silent walking. It all came together beautifully. And now, I practice outdoors quite often. How about you?
Bonnie that sounds like such a lovely way to practice! I hope to see your yoga space soon.
Posted by: Sharon Frost | January 26, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Looking forward to it, Sharon!
Posted by: bona56 | January 26, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Bonnie, what a wonderful experience! That had to be a much better space than the one you were originally going to have. I would have LOVED to be in your class!
Posted by: Kimberly | January 26, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Next time you're here, Kimberly!
Posted by: bona56 | January 26, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Bonnie, what a beautiful space! I love practicing outside, but not this time of year ;) In the spring and summer, I go to a pretty park, find a quiet spot and practice. It's lovely. Thank you for this post.
Posted by: Andrea | January 27, 2009 at 06:00 AM
what a beautiful space Andrea. I can see the prana-filled air in the photos. I would love to practice in that space!
Posted by: cmiyachi | February 08, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Bonnie- You have a beautiful garden! I miss the desert! :( I want to be there instead of this cold, harsh city environment. Some day......
xoxox
Will
Posted by: Will Harris | March 17, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I go to a pretty park, find a quiet spot and practice.
Posted by: sildenafil citrate | June 22, 2010 at 07:20 PM