4 Yoga Poses to Help You Connect with Nature
Considering doing Outdoor Yoga? At our Alpine Hotel, we believe yoga is a beneficial practice - to the point where we built a Yoga Studio within the premises. We also recommend that if you take a trip to the Italian Alps, have a go at Mountain Yoga as it helps increase your vitality, and even better, you can see the beautiful Italian Nature. As we mentioned in our previous blog, many yoga poses are inspired by nature, there are mountain-inspired poses, eagle-inspired poses and more - by learning these poses, it can help you to reap the benefits of grounding yourself in nature. According to a paper published by the Journal of Public Health, the Earth is supplied with electrons, providing a connection between the Earth and whoever makes a connection with it - so remove your shoes and get up close with nature. Here are some Yoga poses to help you connect with nature.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
The Tadasana pose is an excellent pose for ‘grounding’, it makes you feel stable and unwavering. Much like all yoga poses it reaps some great health benefits: it improves posture, strengthens joints such as your knees, elbows and ankles, tightens up your buttocks and abs, relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet. The list goes on! You should definitely incorporate this pose into your next practice, whether its as a starting pose, resting pose or as a tool to improve posture. To maximise your connection with nature, get barefoot and feel the soft grass beneath your feet.
Source: YogaJournal
TRee Pose (Vriksasana)
A tree is a great source of inspiration when it comes to ‘grounding’ yoga poses. This position reciprocates the delicate and steady stance of a tree. Contrary to most yoga poses, you are required to keep your eyes open for this one (a forward glance will help maintain your balance). If this pose is consistently practised, you will soon see that you have:
Better balance and stability in your legs
Stronger and more toned legs
Improved pelvic stability
Strengthening the bones of your hips and legs
Higher confidence and self-esteem
Eagle Pose (Gardudasana)
Garuda is the mythic ‘king of the birds’, he is said to of been the vehicle of Hindu God Vishnu. You must remain completely focused and concentrated when practising this challenging pose. Once you’ve mastered this pose, you will reap the great benefits that come with it:
Strengthened and lengthened hip flexors, thighs, shoulders and upper back
Improved sense of balance
Improved concentration
Strengthened ankles and calves
Source: Kennguru via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Howler Magazine
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
This pose is considered the easiest to do, but the hardest to master! Though the pose looks like you are napping, the aim is to be fully aware while in a state of total relaxation - that is why it is so hard to master. Lie down on your back, ensuring that you are comfortable and take a deep breath - informing your body that you are ready to dive into relaxation. While during this pose, scan your body for tension, and try to let go of your distracting thoughts.
Once mastered, enjoy the benefits of:
Relieving headaches
Reduces high blood pressure
Improve insomnia and fatigue
Increased focus and relaxation
By doing these yoga poses, you will be able to feel a closer relationship with the Earth. Each of these poses provides contact between your body and the earth if done outdoors. Each and every one of these poses will enhance your mental power and concentration, allowing you to relax and be content in the present.
For more articles about wellness and nature, read our blog: