Teaching Yoga Outside: Grounding

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed.

Practicing and teaching Yoga outside is a welcome breath of fresh air for those of us who spend most of our time in an office and behind the wheel of a car, as we commute back and forth to work each day. In geographical areas that have distinctly four seasons, it is often not possible to teach Yoga outside. However, during the warmer spring, summer and fall months, offering outdoor classes to your Yoga students will provide them with the opportunity to connect to the rhythms of the natural world. 

Although many Yoga students are instantly connected to both local and international events on a moment to moment basis, through such platforms as Twitter and Facebook, they often do not have an intimate connection to the earth beneath their own two feet. The constant immersion in the electromagnetic field that is generated by all of our gadgets has the ability to shift circadian rhythms and undermine the health of our endocrine systems. When this happens, the ability to sleep deeply and restoratively is negatively impacted, which also negatively impacts the functioning of the immune system. 

When the immune system is compromised, chronic long-term diseases are likely to develop over time. An easy, enjoyable and pleasant way to discharge excess electromagnetic energy and to balance the endocrine system, including the natural sleep-wake cycle, is to practice and teach Yoga in an outdoor environment. Researchers, who are investigating the benefits of grounding, are finding that the simple act of connecting directly to the earth helps to balance the various systems of the body in a natural and gentle way. 

Of course, when the body is balanced, one’s overall health is improved and long-term chronic diseases are less likely to develop. By offering Yoga classes in an outdoor setting, you will be inviting your students to engage in grounding on the earth, while also receiving the multiple benefits of a well-rounded Yoga practice. It is important to note that the beneficial effects of discharging excess electromagnetic energy, through grounding on the earth, are only felt if you or your students connect directly to the earth with bare feet. 

This grounding process does not work as well if you are teaching Yoga outside on a concrete or cement platform. It is optimal to teach classes directly on the earth, if possible. Some easily accessible locations to teach classes in an outdoor venue are local parks and beaches. In addition, if you offer Yoga classes at a local community center, health club or school, you may also be able to teach classes outside on the grassy area surrounding the property. If you encounter a situation where you can teach some classes outside, but not directly on the earth, the simple act of spending time in the sunlight will also help to promote healthy circadian rhythms and boost vitamin D levels, which will help to lower inflammation throughout the body. 

By teaching Yoga outside, you will also breath fresh air into your classes. You may remember the excitement that you felt when your high school teacher or college professor announced that your class would be held outside in the fragrant spring air. In the same way, many of your Yoga students may feel a sense of excitement and fresh enthusiasm for the practice when you announce that your will be teaching your class outside today! In this way, you will not only support your students’ overall good health, you will also spark new interest in your Yoga classes. 

Virginia Iversen, M.Ed, has been practicing and studying the art of Yoga for over twenty years. She lives in Woodstock, New York, where she specializes in writing customized articles that are 100% unique. She is currently accepting Yoga and health-related writing orders and may be contacted at: enchantress108@gmail.com. 

© Copyright – Virginia Iversen / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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