Bringing Earth into your practice

On the yoga mat

Take your practice outside → ground into the energy of the season, walk barefoot on the cool earth, breathe the fresh spring air and allow the elements to guide your movement and practice.

  • Spend a few moments in stillness with the natural world just listening → let the wind, the water and the earth guide your movements, getting curious and exploring with an attitude of curiosity or openness as you embody this beginners mindset.

  • Let nature be your soundtrack → Instead of playing music, listen to the sounds of birds, wind, and rustling leaves as your guide.

  • Honor your breath as a reflection of the season → Practice pranayama like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) to clear energy pathways, just as spring clears away winter’s heaviness.

  • Ground into Aparigraha (non-attachment) → Flow with nature—maybe your mat gets a little dirt on it, or the wind changes your balance, or cars driving by distract you. Accept it as part of the practice! The more we practice sitting with discomfort the easier it becomes and the less these things start to bother us in the future.

Off the yoga mat

  • Practice gratitude and reciprocity with the earth → After your outdoor practice, express thanks by:

    • Picking up a few pieces of trash in your local park, hiking trail, or neighborhood.

    • Leaving an offering of water or flowers (instead of taking from nature, give back in a mindful way).

    • Whispering a simple prayer of thanks or setting an intention for the land beneath you.

  • Eat seasonally and locally → Support the renewal of the earth by consuming fresh, in-season greens and foods that nourish both you and the planet.

  • Engage in a cleansing ritual → Just as the earth experiences spring rains, you can cleanse your body and mind through practices like dry brushing, salt baths, or journaling about what you're shedding from winter.

  • Reconnect with the Yama of Ahimsa (non-harming) → Walk barefoot when possible (earthing), avoid pesticides in your garden, and be mindful of how your actions impact the environment.