Have you heard of Forest Flow? It’s a transformative outdoor yoga experience that roots your practice in the natural world and aligns with the principles of both ancient philosophy and modern environmental mindfulness. Imagine grounding yourself through sun salutations beneath a canopy of trees, feeling the gentle breeze, warm sunlight, and the subtle pulse of the earth beneath you. Outdoor yoga blends mindful movement with nature’s tranquility, offering a journey that is both exhilarating and meditative.

Sign up for our Forest Flow Course here!

Why Practice Outdoor Yoga?

Taking your practice outdoors offers unique mental, physical, and spiritual benefits that heighten awareness and deepen your connection to both yourself and your surroundings. The Yoga Sutras, an ancient text exploring the foundations of yoga, speaks to this connection, reminding us of our intrinsic bond with nature and its cycles. Sutra 4.2 reads, "Coming into being is a transformation that follows the flow of nature." Practicing yoga outdoors allows us to embody this principle directly, letting the natural world inspire us and serve as a guide in our journey toward balance and self-discovery.

The Benefits of Practicing Yoga Outdoors

Outdoor yoga doesn’t just enhance physical health; it also nurtures the spirit and mind connection described in the Sutras. Moving in sync with nature’s rhythm strengthens our understanding of three core qualities, or gunas, present within us and in the natural world: Rajas (activity), Sattva (balance and clarity), and Tamas (inertia and stillness). When we align our outdoor practice with these energies, our flow becomes more harmonious, balancing movement with rest, clarity with reflection, and vitality with stillness.

Connecting with Nature | Understanding the Three Gunas

Outdoor yoga allows practitioners to connect with the natural energies and qualities present both in the environment and within ourselves. The three gunas—Rajas, Sattva, and Tamas—are inherent aspects of life and nature. Practicing outdoors encourages balance, reflection, and stillness, aligning us with the ebb and flow of our surroundings.

Download our free 7 Benefits of Yoga in Nature ebook here.

Practicing Mindfully with Leave No Trace Principles

In addition to connecting with nature, outdoor yoga invites us to honor and protect our environment. By following Leave No Trace principles, we ensure that we practice in harmony with the land, leaving the natural world as pristine as we found it. 

Tips for Sustainable Outdoor Yoga Practice

Choose Durable Surfaces

Practice on stable, flat areas to avoid disturbing vegetation and fragile ecosystems.

Leave What You Find

Respect the beauty of your surroundings by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them. This mindfulness keeps the space intact for others to enjoy.

Pack Out What You Pack In 

Bring a reusable bag for any trash, including personal items like water bottles or snacks, to avoid leaving any waste behind.

Respect Wildlife

Avoid approaching or disturbing animals. Practicing quietly allows you to observe and enjoy wildlife without intruding on their habitats.

When we teach and practice with these principles, we honor not only our own journey but also the land that sustains and inspires us. Leave No Trace complements the mindfulness of yoga by fostering respect and responsibility, reminding us that our connection to nature is a reciprocal relationship.

Preparing for Your First Outdoor Yoga Experience

Transitioning from an indoor to an outdoor yoga space requires a bit of planning. Here are some practical tips to ensure your Forest Flow practice is both enjoyable and safe:

Choosing the Right Location for Outdoor Yoga

Selecting a quiet, distraction-free spot is key for a successful outdoor session. Look for a space with a flat, stable surface to practice on, such as grass, sand, or a clear forest floor. Be mindful of potential distractions and avoid areas that are too crowded or noisy. Ideal spots include parks, nature trails, or quiet beaches—where you can find both natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Weather Preparation and Essentials for Outdoor Yoga

Outdoor yoga is inherently tied to the elements. Check the weather before heading out and dress appropriately in layers that can adapt to changing conditions. Light, breathable fabrics work best for warm weather, while a few layers will help keep you comfortable on cooler days. Be prepared for shifts in temperature, and if rain is in the forecast, consider a waterproof jacket or umbrella.

Outdoor Yoga Essentials to Bring

To make the most of your outdoor session, pack the following essentials:

You can leave your yoga mat at home! ExploreMore Outdoor Yoga sequencing offers primarily a standing practice that can use natural elements for support like trees or rocks. 

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather.

Towel 

Useful for wiping away sweat or providing extra cushion on rocky surfaces.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

Protect your skin from the sun and pests.

Hat and Sunglasses

Help shade your face and eyes during sunny days.

By ensuring you have the right gear, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the outdoor experience with fewer interruptions.

Forest Flow Yoga Sequencing | Creating Your Personal Nature-Inspired Flow

Forest Flow yoga is an intuitive, adaptable approach that encourages you to move in harmony with the natural rhythms around you. In our workshop, we’ll share a foundational sequence to help you get started, but you’re invited to personalize and expand upon it to create your unique outdoor practice. With a sample sequence, guided meditation, and a blend of movement and mindfulness, the Forest Flow Practice supports yogis of all levels, offering inspiration that can be tailored to both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Starting with Grounding Breath and Gentle Stretches Begin by grounding yourself with a few moments of mindful breathing. Sit or stand tall, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths, feeling rooted and supported by the earth beneath you. As you breathe, begin with gentle stretches for the neck, shoulders, and arms, letting your body relax and ease into movement. This grounding phase invites you to establish a sense of connection to the earth before you flow.

Sun Salutations

Aligning with Nature’s Energy Sun Salutations are a wonderful way to honor the outdoors and energize the body. Move mindfully through each posture, feeling the ground beneath you, the air surrounding you, and the warmth of the sun above. Let your breath be your guide as you flow, syncing each movement with nature’s energy. The warmth and vitality of the sun bring life to your practice, enhancing your connection to the natural world around you.

As you participate in the Forest Flow workshop, you’ll discover these starting points and build on them with guidance, inspiration, and freedom to create a flow that is uniquely yours.

The Healing Power of Nature in Outdoor Yoga

One of the most compelling reasons to try outdoor yoga is the profound sense of well-being it can foster. Studies show that being in nature, even for short periods, can lower cortisol levels, decrease stress, and improve overall mood. The combination of yoga’s calming effects and nature’s healing qualities makes outdoor yoga particularly powerful. Whether in a park, forest, or beach, the natural environment reduces stress, leaving you feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

Fresh Air and Increased Awareness

Breathing fresh air outdoors is inherently refreshing. Outdoor yoga involves fuller, deeper breaths due to increased oxygen levels in open spaces, which can improve energy levels, cognitive clarity, and focus. When combined with yoga’s deep breathing techniques, outdoor air can amplify your mental clarity and enhance your energy.

Engaging the Senses Through Outdoor Yoga

Outdoor environments have a way of heightening sensory awareness. Practicing yoga outdoors encourages you to engage all your senses, feeling each movement and breath more fully. The natural setting demands that you ground yourself in the present moment, enhancing mindfulness and connection to your surroundings.

Join Our Outdoor Yoga Sequencing Workshop

Outdoor yoga is more than just a change of scenery—it’s a path to deepen your connection with yourself, the environment, and the timeless wisdom of yoga. Forest Flow offers a harmonious blend of action, balance, and stillness that mirrors the rhythms of nature itself.

As you practice, may you move toward a state of harmony, recognizing the transformation that occurs when we align with nature’s flow. Honor the earth beneath your mat, respect the principles of Leave No Trace, and allow each breath to deepen your awareness of this beautiful, interconnected journey. 

Embrace the Wisdom of Nature in Your Practice

Honor the earth beneath your mat, respect the principles of Leave No Trace, and allow each breath to deepen your awareness of this beautiful, interconnected journey. Join us for our Outdoor Yoga Sequencing Workshop, where you’ll learn how to harmonize your yoga flow with nature’s rhythms and bring the Yoga off the mat and into the forest. This workshop will inspire you to create a balanced, mindful practice that aligns with the principles of Leave No Trace and the spirit of outdoor yoga.