Connecting With Nature

Today Yoga Camp was all about connecting with nature, but first we practiced a breathing technique that looks and feels a little funny, but is actually quite balancing.  Alternate-Nostril breathing is a great way to find balance when you don’t feel quite right or you’re not exactly sure what you need.  Fostering awareness by paying attention to the body, breath, thoughts and feelings, this breathing technique helps create equanimity and allows you to modify your energy level and find balance when needed.   

We learned about the Amazon Rainforest, one of the world’s greatest natural resources.  Among many other things, it provides thousands of medicinal plants for our health and use.  We also discussed the reality of deforestation and the extinction of rainforest species and what we can do individually and collectively to protect our environment and save the rainforests. 

Also home to over 400 species of birds and millions of insects, we listened to the distinct sounds of the Amazon then played a yoga game that had us creating our own unique calling sounds and practicing mindful listening.  We added to our yoga asanas practicing standing poses and warrior sequence. 

Our adventure then took us right outside the yoga studio doors to learn more about the Earth’s plentiful resources.  Connecting with nature we touched, smelled, tasted and learned all about the medicinal value of plants in WellSpring’s garden with the help of Dr. Kim Palka.  After exploring the outdoors, we came inside to create our very own teabags using dried herbs from Kim’s garden.  While sipping our tea, we mindfully ate chocolate with cacao nibs and learned about programs like Endangered Species Chocolate that are working to preserve species conservation.  As our exciting journey came to an end we found our way into shavasana and settled in for some relaxation. What an awesome adventure!