Yoga is well known for its many benefits to body and mind – and taking the practice outside can prove even better for wellbeing

It has a rich philosophy, a long history and a deep spirituality, but many – especially in the west – continue to view yoga through the narrow prism of physical wellbeing. From this perspective, the postures become no more than a series of exercises best practised in community halls, yoga studios or gyms, or followed at home in front of an online tutorial. But there’s another way, one that arguably connects more closely with the broader themes of this ancient discipline. Have you ever considered taking your yoga outdoors?

The word ‘yoga’ derives from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’, signifying the practice’s deeprootedness in the art of connection. The act of practising yoga helps to find harmony between mind, body and soul, and this is only heightened when blue skies, birdsong and a gentle breeze are added into the mix.

Nick Tietjen, a mortgage banker, Vedic meditation teacher and yoga instructor, knows this only too well and has previously led outdoor classes on beaches in Nicaragua and Hawaii, as well as the wide-open spaces of Minnesota and Wisconsin in the American Midwest. His most memorable personal outdoor yoga experience was six years ago at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort in Nosara, Costa Rica: ‘It was a sunset class in a shala perched in the treetops overlooking the Pacific Ocean,’ he recalls. ‘The sunset was glowing orange and howler monkeys were jumping from tree to tree. The buzz of the insects from the jungle sounded like a beautiful orchestral symphony. This, along with the amazing energy of the people in the class, made for an experience that I will never forget.’