Six pros and cons of an outdoor yoga experience in nature

Nature was where my yoga journey started from. However, after three months, my instructor decided to cease the class series because it was not economically-sustainable for her. I then hopped on to various studios, but none gave me the same sense of connection to my body as what I experienced in nature. You know an experience is truly life-changing if you can feel it in your soul. Since then, I’ve always practised in nature. Here are six pros and cons of an outdoor yoga experience in nature.

Pro #1: There are immense emotional and physical health benefits.

Exposure to nature-based environments is associated with lower blood pressure and reduced levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and has been found to reduce psychological stress, depressive symptoms, and hostility, while at the same time improving sleep and increasing both vigor and a feeling of liveliness. In fact, nature immersion is often used as a form of preventive medicine for mental health (it is a much more pleasant and cheaper method too anyway). It can even cure them in their early stages by getting back at regular intervals to the tranquility of nature. A study published in 2011 in the Journal of Environmental Psychology showed that being outdoors in nature boosts vitality above and beyond the well-known benefits of physical activity and social interactions.

Have you heard of the Latin phrase “Vis medicatrix naturae”? That is my favourite phrase. It means “healing power of nature”. Although “nature” in this context refers to not just physically being in natural environments, it generally means relying on the force of nature or natural means to cure minor injuries and many illnesses.

We recently made a monumental shift in our lifestyles back home. We got rid of all medication and processed foods, and have adopted a plant-based diet (as much as we can). We have also incorporated daily morning walks in nature and are starting to experience the benefits already.

Being in and around nature can have a medicinal effect, yet we can elevate the benefits through conscious interaction with the natural world. Yoga is one of the many ways that provides that opportunity for this conscious interaction.

Pro #2: It is an environmentally-friendly practice.

Practising yoga outdoors is environmentally friendly in itself because we do not consume electricity. Unlike in studios where lights and air conditioners/fans are utilised, we tap on natural sunlight and the sea breeze during our practice. How amazing is that? Thank you Mamma Earth :’)

Apart from that, the sustainability of the planet is not merely about being a good citizen and recycling; it is ultimately about maintaining an intimate relationship with nature. Immersing ourselves in nature, be it in a park or by the beach, while engaging in a mindful practice like yoga facilitates this relationship.

Pro #3: It brings more attention to your body and the here-and-now.

Do you find yourself checking your alignment or inadvertently comparing with other students in the class to see who can execute the pose? Does it evoke feelings of inadequacy or elevate your ego when you are supposed to focus on your self-progression? I can guarantee you there are no mirrors outdoors and you definitely won’t be able to compare yourself with other students (unless you want to look in their direction and don’t mind being very conspicuous and distracting).

If your concern is to check on alignment, my point here is that you do not need a mirror. As a beginner, your instructor is there for you to have your alignment and posture corrected (that’s what you are paying us for. So please, let us help you). As an advanced practitioner, there is a stronger proposition for you to NOT have a mirror for a normal practice - you would be more attuned to your body alignment and are able to self-correct even without a mirror. Your body will guide you into the posture, so let it do the magic for you.

Con #1: There are many insects (mosquitoes, sandflies).

Can I have a show of hands who already struggles with meditation in a studio or simply just sitting still with your breath in a comfortable space? Just imagine that + the added distraction of insects crawling over you and mosquitoes and sandflies biting you. Tell me about the itch that follows and the insecurity of getting more bites during the class. It is indeed a major obstacle to simply being present in the class.

Con #2: It is weather-dependent.

Clearly, when there are signs of rain, class is cancelled. Of course, we can still practise in sheltered areas but it really does depend on space availability as they are shared spaces in Singapore.

Con #3: You don’t know who is looking at you.

More attention needs to be drawn to privacy issues. While nature is an open and public space, we can’t control who does what out there. While we are trying to focus on our breath or alignment during a class, we can get distracted by who might be taking photos of us or when someone is cat-calling us. It makes nature or such beautiful outdoor spaces unsafe for women.

Despite the downsides, I still love practising in nature because I firmly believe there are workarounds, albeit it may take some time for it to come to fruition. The upsides clearly trump all the other downsides and I reckon people need to be made more aware of the psychological benefits of nature; I believe education and vitamin G prescriptions can help with this process. There can be 1001 journal articles delving into all the incredible benefits of nature immersion but nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced.

Namaste,

Mae