Why Wild?

How is Wild Yoga is different from a studio class and why is it so good?

I appreciate that not everyone wants to do yoga outdoors but I would still like to ask - why not?

I can think of many reasons and excuses - too much hassle, too difficult, too cold, yoga in shoes?!!! Or just not feeling the need to change anything about our current yoga practice. Fair enough, I’ve felt many of those same points of resistance too. But there’s something in it for sure, something that keeps me coming back regularly to do it and finding so much joy in introducing others to the idea.

This post is an attempt to crystallize some of the experiences and learning I’ve gained by taking yoga off the mat…

I’ve done yoga in lots of different places and spaces. I think I first starting practising outdoors when I was living in the Andes probably hundreds of miles from a yoga studio and desperate to keep up some kind of practice. There was a nice decking area overlooking the garden and I just thought, why not?

When we practice outdoors we have to consider the environment around us and adapt to it. It isn’t quite what we’re used to in terms of structured modern yoga classes in a purpose built space.

For example if the air temperature is colder than we are used to, we need to consider how deeply we go into a stretch and let go of the idea that we must reach our full capacity every time. Let go of the notion that the value of the posture lies in how far you can go; that progress lies in going further, opening, stretching, going deep, getting a flat back, straight legs or whatever the fullest extension of the pose is. 

Reaching for your edge is definitely rewarding, fun and often feels physically good too, but is it a requirement for a satisfying or ‘full’ practice? When you can’t go there because the environment (or your body) doesn’t permit it - what’s left? Do you feel unsatisfied, frustrated or bored if you don’t feel that you ‘pushed yourself’?

Another example - if we’re balancing on the earth rather than a flat solid floor we might need to accept that it’s harder, and let go of the ease with which we can hold that same balance in the studio. Personally I like the challenge of getting better at balancing by using uneven ground but at first it was a little annoying if I’m honest.

I think this is great! A superb opportunity to acknowledge and loosen our hold on the ideas we have about ourselves and what yoga is - at least for an hour or two. I’m not saying those ideas are wrong at all but in my own experience, a lot of interesting things happen when I approach something from a different angle. The times when I have been forced to back off and go back to basics have probably taught me more than returning to the same depth or number of seconds in a pose.

I think it’s fair to say that it’s easy to form habits in any practice which may or may not be in our best interests, especially if we’re not aware that they are, in fact, habits. The expectations we have of ourselves in a yoga practice may also not be fully in our best interests. Taking yoga to a different environment gives us an excuse to shrug them off for a moment; perhaps allowing us to experience both the asana and our bodies in a new light.

If you’re not someone who practises/has practised regularly in a studio - brilliant! You have the chance to get to know the feel of the shapes and actions of yoga before you start setting goals and expectations of your body. Or you might never set goals but just enjoy the sensations of putting your arms and legs in weird places and being outdoors!

I teach outdoors for a few reasons - firstly, I love being outdoors and I think we should all strive to spend more time in natural environments. Secondly, I think nature and yoga are natural allies - there’s a joy, peace and vibrant energy already in nature that we can tap into as we practise. Finally, embracing the challenge of non-perfect conditions to shift the focus from perfectionism to playfulness for a while. Because life is full of non-ideal conditions and being able to adapt and carry on regardless helps us to live happily and peacefully.

Tempted to try it out?!

Wild Yoga happens every other Saturday at 2:30pm in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Email contact@adventureyogaedinburgh.org for bookings or information