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“The waves of the sea help me get back to me.”
BEACH YOGA
Whether you are fortunate enough to live by the sea or you have the opportunity to spend a day at the beach, taking your yoga practice ocean side can be a great way to live your yoga this summer. The beach offers a new way to explore and evolve your practice without being stuck indoors. For most of us, this is a seasonal luxury, so why not take advantage of the lazy days of summer and move your mat from the studio to the sand.
The beach is an ideal place to learn and build confidence in “letting your consciousness be the guide” - a skill not easily acquired with mirrored walls and a room full of people. On a clear day you can feel the direct energy of the sun fuel inner strength and prana intensify when Vayu (Hindu god of wind) unexpectedly blows through, offering relief from the heat and a reminder to stay in the moment. When we listen to nature’s transitional language and take directional cues from the physical world, we begin to connect to the living environment, freeing us from human constraints and giving us the ability to move like divine beings. At the moment your breath syncs with the ebb and flow of the tide and the waves guide your body through sun salutations, meditation in motion is realized and the true beach experience begins.
The Jersey shore mantra chanted by Sri Bruce Springsteen tells us that “Down The Shore Everything’s Alright”, so whether you’re a Weekender or a Local on the mat, the beach offers unlimited possibilities. Beginners often find youthful healing in their practice- energetically enjoying the day and the feeling of adventure. However, experienced yogis will likely be challenged as well. Whether getting reacquainted with a familiar pose on foreign territory or by trying a new one in the safety of the soft sand, beach yoga will heighten your body awareness and reveal your true essence. Dormant muscles wake up searching for equanimity in the sand and mental concentration will peak as you learn to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you without losing focus.
The best things in life are unexpected, because there are no expectations. Remember, Mother Nature, like every good mother, must to attend to all of her children. Don’t take it personally if your ideal beach day is a little less then perfect. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds and rolling fog are just a few of the many natural occurrences that can change your intended practice. Embrace the unique circumstances of the day and use it to intensify your experience. If you need a little help remembering that you are part of a much bigger picture, focus on the horizon line and feel the power of the majestic sea.
Outdoor yoga is exceedingly different from practicing inside for obvious and esoteric reasons. So before hitting the beach this summer and turning yourself over to the marvel of the day, there are a couple of practical things to consider ensuring a safe and effective practice.
Foundation, Natural Phenomena’s and External Distractions
1. Foundation- If we build our practice on stone not sand how can we find a rock solid base on the sandy beachfront?
Look for a relatively level area. Also, by using a sheet or large towel more area can be covered than a traditional mat. The best part of working on the soft surface is to feel the earthly connection so thinner fabrics work really well. The sand is ideal for doing warriors, lunge sequences and seated poses. Balancing can be a little more difficult especially incorporated into vinyasa series. On the other hand, isolated balances practiced calmly and with intention can be extremely gratifying. In fact, sirsasana (headstand) at the water’s edge, facing the horizon is unbelievable, giving you a whole new perspective of the world.
• Take advantage of the molding effect of the sand around your feet in standing poses.
• Use the sand as a natural yoga block. It can be scooped under your hips in Kapotasana (pigeon pose) or under your knees in Buddha Konasana (cobbler’s pose) for added support and joint protection.
• Deepen your sits bones into the earth while forward folding.
• Challenge yourself while balancing. Practice patience, focus and non-judgment.
• When doing inversions close your eyes and flex and point your feet, allowing any lose sand particles to fall away before moving into full expression.
2. Natural phenomena- Unlike the stable environmental conditions of your local studios, pre-set temperatures, proper air filtration systems, humidity controls and lighting options, practicing outdoors exposes you to the natural elements of the earth. In other words, come to your mat with an open mind and excitement of being in moment. Bear in mind, waterfront temperatures and weather conditions can be significantly different than inland, so be prepared.
• Take into account the sun’s position in the sky and the tanning index when deciding on most auspicious time to practice.
• Apply sunscreen at home and let it dry. Be sure to use a brand that does not burn your eyes in the event that perspiration drips into them. Clean sweat is salty and will also sting your eyes so you may want to wear a headband or bandana.
• Bring a clean dry towel just in case unwanted sand particles get onto your hands and feet or in your eyes. Keep the towel in a protected place away form the sand.
• Dressing appropriately for the weather will keep you comfortable. Layers are always a good idea.
• Remember to wear your sunglasses if you are sensitive to the light.
• If it’s windy out you may want to stand with your back to the wind to avoid sand from blowing into your face. Close your eyes when doing inversions. Make sure to tie your hair back.
• Practicing in the rain can be exhilarating just be careful of any precarious poses. Wet slippery bodies are a lot harder to handle.
• If the humidity & ozone levels are high make sure to move slowly and breathe more deeply. Let the body sweat. Our skin is our largest organ so let it breathe.
• Check the pollen count and understand how a high count might influence your practice.
• Insects can be a nuisance this time of year, using a sunscreen/insect repellant can address two issues in one. Also, dressing properly can help alleviate the situation. Long sleeves, lightweight pants and socks can be helpful in warding off flies and mosquitoes.
• Bring water with you. Not all beaches provide concession stands.
3. External Distractions-Even the best thought out practice still runs the risk of being interrupted by unforeseen interruptions.
• Noise: Most people envision a serenade exclusively of crashing waves, seagulls and children’s laughter when practicing at the beach. However, practicing outdoors also exposes us to airplanes, radios, loud talkers and car horns. In order to stay on track and not get disillusioned try not to focus on the distractions as separate sounds but rather incorporate them into a “white” noise backdrop, filtering in the more desirable sounds. Softening your ears and intensifying your other senses can also help block out unwanted disturbances.
• Spectators: Practicing outdoors has a way of creating interest especially to people who do not understand what you are doing. Instead of becoming agitated try to remember just that… they do not understand. Keeping your gaze at your focal point will quickly clear them from your view.
• Unexpected visitors: Try to acquaint yourself with your local beach schedule in order to avoid being disturbed. Beach cleaners, dog walkers, fishermen and treasure hunters all come out to play this time of year. Your local borough hall should be able to provide you with the public beach hours and events calendar. FYI…many seaside communities offer beach yoga, make sure to pick up the local paper if you would prefer to practice in an organized group setting.
• Smells: Aromatherapy is a big part of our experience. Just as the salt air and fresh flowers can enhance our experience, negative smells can distract and interfere with your practice. When considering an outdoors practice try to stay clear of car exhaust, barbeque smoke, insect candles and downwind garbage cans.
Moving your yoga practice to the beach is one of the best ways to live your yoga this summer. Practicing at the beach can be exhilarating, peaceful and challenging, all at the same time. Upon reawakening after savasana (corpse pose) you can’t help but feel the universal union. Under the open sky, in the fresh air, with the sand between your toes yogis realize awareness, presence, and connection. We also find peace, serenity and gratitude, not only for the gift of the day but also… for not being stuck inside!
If you're lucky enough to be at the beach you're lucky enough.
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