Yoga in the Wild: Practicing with the Elements

“Yoga in the Wild: Practicing with the Elements”

August has a way of drawing us outdoors. The gardens are bursting with beautiful flowers, juicy vegetables, and luscious fruit. The sun is at its most radiant, and the air feels thick with life. It’s a month that calls us to connect with the natural world in a deeper, more conscious way. What better time to explore the elemental roots of our yoga practice—outside, in the wild embrace of late summer?

In yoga philosophy, the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—are not only part of the natural world but also mirror our inner landscape. Each element carries the wisdom and energy we can call upon, both on and off the mat. The elements remind me that I am of the earth and the earth is of me. 

Earth

Earth is our root, the solid foundation beneath us. Practicing barefoot in the grass or on the earth instantly connects us to this grounding force. The feeling of the early-morning, cool, dewy grass in the summer can be an instant reminder that we are a part of something so much bigger than we can possibly imagine. Standing poses like Tadasana (Mountain) or Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II) are especially powerful outdoors, offering a felt sense of stability, balance, and rooted presence.

Water

Water teaches us about flow and adaptability. Practicing near a stream or listening to rain can help soften effort and invite grace into movement. Try a slow Moon Salutation or gentle hip openers to embody the fluidity of this element. One of my favorite things to do in the middle of a rainstorm is to pause and take a few minutes to meditate before rushing off to the next task.

Fire

Fire is the transformative energy of the sun, and August holds it in abundance. A midday practice may be too intense in the heat, but a morning or twilight session can harness this inner and outer flame. Twists, core work, or Sun Salutations at sunrise can help ignite clarity and passion. Early morning sessions on my deck offer not only cooler temps but also the sound of birdsong to open the heart. And if you have an app installed on your phone like Merlin, you can record the sounds around you, and the app will identify the birds you are hearing. 

Air

Air surrounds us, invisible but essential. Feel it on your skin, in the rustling trees, and of course, in your breath. Sometimes it arrives with the soft music of wind chimes, reminding us of the unseen currents that move through and around us. Let pranayama be your guide. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) can create balance and calm, while Dirga (Three-Part Breath) deepens connection to body and breath.

Space

Space, or ether, is the most subtle of the elements. It is the quiet pause, the sacred stillness that holds it all. When you practice outdoors, please leave time for meditation or Savasana beneath the open sky. Let your gaze soften toward drifting clouds, the expanse of blue sky, or the distant silhouette of mountains on the horizon, or the ocean before you. Listen to the hush between sounds. In this vastness, feel the spaciousness within you—boundless, open, and free.

This month, I invite you to connect with nature—whether it’s a full practice on your mat in the grass, a few grounding breaths on your balcony, or simply slipping off your shoes to stand barefoot on the earth. Sit beneath a tree in the park, feel the breeze through an open window, or take a mindful walk while listening to the birds. Let the elements meet you wherever you are. Feel the texture of the earth, the kiss of the wind, the warmth of the sun. Let these simple moments remind you of the beauty and balance that live both within you and all around you

One Last Thing Before I Go…

May your practice – wherever it unfolds – be a doorway to wonder, stillness, and deep connection. Namaste -