This article was first published by YogaJournal.com.
One of yoga’s (many) beauties is it can literally be done anywhere. And it turns out nature enhances your practice in an entirely different way than a studio does. A recent Swedish study found viewing nature, especially fractals (the organically occurring patterns in tree branches and fern leaves for example), increased wakeful relaxation and internal focus—two pretty important components of a rewarding yoga practice. “It makes sense to practice inside during inclement weather,” says Amos Clifford, director of the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy. “But, when did we forget to take our practice outside on a glorious day?”
See alsoGet Outside More, Boost Your Mood
4 Ways the Outdoors Enhances Yoga Practice
“Nature connects us to our roots,” says Dr. Matthew Baral, who led the This Is Your Brain On Nature lecture at the Sedona Yoga Festival. “The grass, the ocean, the trees are all part of our primeval world. It is where we feel most at home.” While a vigorous hike has its own benefits, practicing yoga outside can transform a stagnant…
