The Nature of Yoga

by Lauren Hanna, Founder of Sonic Yoga

A key part of the work I do as a Yoga teacher and healer is to help others appreciate the connection between Yoga and nature. The ancient Yogis practiced outside in nature and were inspired by her.  Nature was the original Yoga teacher. 

When you are deeply immersed in a natural place you witness the harmony and peace of the natural world.   The realization that we are not separate from nature is profound. When we can see the trees as our sisters, the cosmos as our father, the earth as our mother, the rivers, and skies as our brothers, we can open to a deeper level of awareness. 

The connection to nature is a beautiful way to realize you are not alone on this journey, but you are one with something greater, something grander.

Spring is the time of renewal and rebirth. Yet it is also a time to connect deeply to the earth and receive her wisdom.  It is a time to acknowledge the importance of the natural world that sustains us and to give thanks. 

I cannot stress the importance of embracing nature as your teacher on the healing path of self-transformation.  The Yoga practices are amazing for our health and our mind. But the connection to nature fuels our spirit in such a gentle natural way. 

There are no complex practices to master. Nature heals without asking anything from us. 

When was the last time you watched the moon or sun rise or set, or gazed at the night sky, or followed a river or gazed at the ocean or sat down on the earth and felt yourself one with nature?

I know how difficult it can be to live in our modern world and not be addicted to technology. And when we are disconnected from nature, we become aware of the disrupting energy of technology and how it increases stress and disease in our lives.

I promise you even a day unplugged from technology and immersed in nature will give you immense benefit.  Just being present in nature and connecting to its power is unbelievably healing.  

And if we can’t be in nature, then we can listen to recordings of nature sounds and journey to nature in our imagination. 

Or check out some of our Central Park offerings to get the best of Yoga and nature!

Many Blessings,

Lauren