Sanda_Issue_February-2019

garden
8 wellness
Create Your Own
Yoga Garden
Love yoga? Love gardening?
Well, why not combine your
two passions by creating a yoga
garden?
A yoga garden creates a
beautiful outdoor space where you
can exercise in the fresh air. After
all, being surrounded by clean air,
birdsong and beautiful flowers is
the perfect environment for yoga
exercise.
Creating a space in your garden
for a spot of yoga could be easier
than you think. You don’t have to
start a major landscaping project
or begin knocking down walls.
Simply incorporating a few extra
elements and accessories into
your existing space could be all
you need to get started. Here are
some ideas for transforming your
garden into the perfect space for
yoga:
Create a smooth
surface
You need to be relaxed to
practice your yoga exercises, so
the first step is to create a level
surface where you can lie down
comfortably and safely. This might
mean adding a small amount of
decking, or other firm surface, to
your garden where you can place
your yoga mat.
If your garden is tiny or just
doesn’t have the space for lying
down, you can still enjoy the
meditation and breathing exercises
associated with yoga – just research
those you can enjoy from a sitting
or standing position. Alternatively,
place your yoga mat on a lawn for
positions you can practice that
don’t require a hard surface.
Add a water feature
The sound of trickling water can
be so relaxing and will certainly
help you unwind as you enjoy your
yoga practice. It can also help with
meditation by giving you a sound
to focus on as you clear your mind.
Create shelter
Adding a sheltered area to
your garden – either by planting a
tree or by creating a more formal
shelter such as a pagoda or gazebo
– will give you protection from the
elements. It can also add privacy
from your neighbours.
Peace and serenity
Large stones or a sculpture
made from natural materials
can be used to add a feeling
of spirituality and serenity to
your garden. As well as looking
beautiful, these can provide
another focal point for meditation
and contemplation.
Choose gentle colours
To create a garden where
you can relax and rebalance,
soft natural colours work best.
Experiment with different shades
of green or add touches of blue as
both green and blue are colours
known to enhance calmness.
Declutter your space
If you’re trying to create a calm
space where you can relax and
unwind, it’s important to keep
it free from clutter. Tidy away
children’s garden toys and store
your tools in the shed so that your
space is as relaxing as possible.
Embrace the
elements
As you practice yoga, your
breathing will naturally slow
down, you’ll feel more relaxed and
you’ll become more aware of your
surroundings. Take time to focus
on all the different natural sights,
sounds, smells and feelings that
you can experience in your garden.
yourwellness.com