GREEN YOGA

SPIRITUAL AND MEDITATIVE YOGA

Written by Valentine

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10 to 15 minutes

DISCOVER GREEN YOGA

HARMONY BETWEEN BODY, MIND AND NATURE

Green Yoga, also known as ecological yoga, is a practice that integrates environmental awareness into traditional yoga practice.

This style of yoga encourages practitioners to develop a deep connection with nature, often practicing outdoors and adopting sustainable lifestyles.

Green Yoga is ideal for those seeking to align their spiritual practice with ecological values, cultivating harmony between the individual and the environment.

CONTEMPORARY ORIGINS OF GREEN YOGA

Green Yoga is a relatively modern approach to yoga that is part of the movement towards environmental awareness and sustainable development . This form of yoga emerged in the early 2000s, at a time when ecological concerns were becoming increasingly important around the world. Green Yoga has its roots in traditional yoga philosophies, but it is specifically designed to integrate thinking and action towards environmental protection . It was born from a desire to reconcile the practice of yoga with principles of sustainability , eco-responsibility and respect for nature .

Historically, yoga has always maintained a deep connection with nature. Ancient yogis practiced in forests and caves, in direct contact with the natural elements. This relationship with nature is evoked in sacred texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita , which teach the notion of unity between the individual and the universe. With this in mind, Green Yoga updates this tradition by putting it at the service of preserving the planet . The idea is that, just as practitioners strive to harmonize body and mind through the practice of yoga, they must also work to harmonize with the natural environment .

The development of Green Yoga was encouraged by teachers and environmental activists who saw in yoga an opportunity to raise awareness about the ecological cause. Among them, some great yoga teachers like Sharon Gannon , co-founder of Jivamukti Yoga, have promoted an ethical and sustainable lifestyle in connection with the practice of yoga. The Green Yoga Association , founded in 2002 in California, is an example of this convergence between yoga and the protection of nature. This organization's mission is to promote yoga practices that respect the Earth and its resources, advocating responsible consumption , the use of eco-responsible materials , and ethical food choices such as veganism .

Green Yoga is distinguished by its integration of the values of yogic philosophy with concrete actions for ecology . In this sense, it promotes environmentally friendly practices, whether in the choice of materials used ( yoga mat made from natural rubber or cork , for example) or in the way classes are organized (outdoors, plastic-free, in eco-certified locations, etc.). It is also common for Green Yoga teachers to address topics related to biodiversity , climate change , or sustainable agriculture , in order to raise awareness among practitioners of their ecological impact and encourage them to adopt a more Earth-friendly lifestyle.

On a spiritual level, Green Yoga reinterprets one of the fundamental principles of yoga, Ahimsa (non-violence), to extend it to the planet. Not only is it about cultivating a non-violent attitude towards oneself and others, but also towards nature . Green Yoga teaches that the practice of yoga is only complete if it includes respect for living beings and the preservation of natural resources . This holistic view of yoga reminds practitioners that they are part of a larger whole and that their individual well-being is intrinsically linked to the health of the planet .

Green Yoga also finds parallels with elemental yoga , a traditional practice that honors the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether) and encourages an intimate connection with natural forces. In Green Yoga, this relationship with the elements is enhanced by a contemplative and eco-spiritual approach, where practitioners are invited to practice outdoors, meditate on the surrounding nature , and feel their deep connection to the natural world.

Today, Green Yoga is booming worldwide, fueled by a growing awareness of ecological issues. More and more yoga centers, events, and retreats are adopting environmentally friendly practices, promoting responsible consumption, ethical use of resources , and the importance of giving back to the Earth what we have taken from it. Green Yoga continues to inspire a new generation of yogis who are concerned about their ecological impact and want to live in harmony with nature .

HOW A GREEN YOGA SESSION WORKS

A Green Yoga session emphasizes the connection between body, mind, and nature, while cultivating an environmentally friendly practice. Inspired by ancient yoga practices and contemporary concerns for ecology, Green Yoga seeks to create harmony between practitioners and their natural environment. Here's a typical flow of a Green Yoga session, including 10 main postures, practiced mindfully and often outdoors:

  1. Centering and meditation in nature : The session begins with a moment of silent connection with the environment. Sitting on grass, earth, or sand, practitioners close their eyes and take a few deep breaths to anchor themselves in the present moment, feeling the earth beneath them and the nature around them. This opening meditation helps calm the mind and awaken awareness to the sounds and sensations of the surrounding nature.
  2. Pranayama (yogic breathing) : After meditation, pranayama (conscious breathing) is practiced to activate pranic energy and connection to the air . The practice of deep breathing helps purify the body and harmonize the breath with the natural elements. Pranayama techniques such as Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) are often used to balance internal energies.
  3. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) : The session continues with a series of sun salutations , where each movement is synchronized with the breath. This sequence is repeated several times to warm the body, stimulate blood circulation , and awaken vital energy . In the context of Green Yoga, this practice is often performed facing east, to honor the sun as the source of life and energy.
  4. Vrksasana (Tree Pose) : A balancing pose emblematic of Green Yoga, Tree Pose is practiced with special attention to rooting the feet in the earth, symbolizing the stability and strength of nature. The arms are raised toward the sky, mimicking the branches of a tree. This pose embodies the connection between earth and sky , while strengthening the legs and improving concentration .
  5. Utkatasana (Chair Pose) : Chair pose is often used to strengthen the thighs and glutes , while stabilizing the core. In Green Yoga, this pose is practiced with the intention of recycling internal energy , while aligning with the surrounding natural forces. It symbolizes the support that nature provides us, while helping us to ground ourselves in our own inner strength.
  6. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) : In Green Yoga, Warrior I is seen as a pose of inner strength and determination , aligned with the principles of protecting the planet . Practitioners are encouraged to channel their energy to protect the environment and connect with the earth by using their breath and body as instruments of positive transformation .
  7. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) : This side-opening pose is practiced with careful attention to the body's natural geometry and balance of forces. In Green Yoga, the triangle represents harmony between the elements, promoting both flexibility and stability. The arms and legs are extended to create a dynamic connection between earth and sky .
  8. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) : The cobra pose is practiced by extending the spine and opening the chest, allowing one to feel the sun's energy and open to vitality. This pose promotes the circulation of energy along the spine, while strengthening the back muscles and bringing warmth to the body.
  9. Balasana (Child's Pose) : A pose of rest and regeneration , Child's Pose is often practiced to allow practitioners to reconnect with the earth . In Green Yoga, this pose is seen as a time to recharge and nourish oneself with the energy of the earth, while releasing tension in the back and hips.
  10. Savasana (Corpse Pose) : The session concludes with a deep relaxation in Savasana , where practitioners lie on the floor, feeling the earth beneath their bodies and the natural energy surrounding them. The final relaxation allows for the integration of the benefits of the practice, while cultivating a sense of gratitude toward nature and a renewed commitment to environmental protection.

Each Green Yoga pose is performed with an intention of ecological awareness , emphasizing connection with nature and reducing one's ecological footprint . Whether practicing outdoors, using eco-friendly yoga materials, or incorporating nature meditation practices, Green Yoga seeks to honor and protect the planet , while allowing practitioners to reconnect with themselves and their environment .

TYPE OF GREEN YOGA PRACTICE

The practice of Green Yoga is a form of yoga that combines traditional yoga principles with ecological and environmental awareness . This approach aims to encourage harmony between the individual and nature , while taking care of the environment through concrete actions and a respectful attitude. Green Yoga is not limited to the practice of postures, but includes a holistic approach that engages the body , mind , and planet .

From a practical perspective, Green Yoga is characterized by outdoor sessions, often in natural environments such as parks, forests, beaches, or gardens. Practicing in these spaces allows yogis to reconnect with nature, listen to the surrounding sounds , feel the clean air , and integrate natural energies into their practice. Direct contact with the earth and natural elements plays a vital role in this practice, strengthening the connection to the ground and grounding .

A central aspect of Green Yoga is the use of eco-friendly equipment . yoga mat are generally made from natural materials such as rubber or cork, and yoga clothing is chosen to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. This approach aims to minimize the ecological impact of the practice by favoring organic , recycled or eco-friendly products. In this way, the practice becomes a conscious action not only for oneself, but also for the planet.

Conscious breathing , or pranayama, plays a fundamental role in Green Yoga. Breathing techniques are used not only to strengthen the physical body , but also to synchronize with the natural rhythms of the environment. For example, practitioners are encouraged to synchronize their breathing with the sound of the wind , waves , or even tree leaves , creating an energetic harmony with their surroundings. Pranayama also helps increase the absorption of prana , or life energy, which is particularly abundant in natural spaces.

Green Yoga often draws on gentler yoga styles, such as Hatha Yoga , Yin Yoga , or slow Vinyasa Yoga sequences, promoting an introspective and meditative approach. The postures are performed with particular attention to alignment, breathing, and feeling the energies of nature . Some postures, such as Vrksasana (the tree), directly symbolize the connection to nature and are used to recall the interconnectedness between humans and their environment .

Another distinctive feature of Green Yoga is its ethical commitment to environmental protection . In addition to the physical practice, Green Yoga encourages concrete actions to reduce the carbon footprint, such as reducing waste , using biodegradable products , and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle . Some Green Yoga communities also organize beach or park clean-ups before or after a yoga session, thus linking spiritual practice to direct environmental action.

On a spiritual level, Green Yoga invites practitioners to develop a deep awareness of the interconnectedness between all living beings . The practice aims to awaken gratitude toward the planet and respect for all life forms. Through moments of meditation , yogis are encouraged to cultivate a sense of oneness with nature , experiencing earth , wind , water , and fire as essential elements that nourish their own existence.

Green Yoga can also include practices such as chanting mantras or meditating on natural elements , thus reinforcing the spiritual aspect of the practice. Mantras can be dedicated to protecting the planet, healing the earth, or universal harmony. In this way, the practice of Green Yoga becomes a form of spiritual activism , a way to connect with a greater cause while taking care of one's own well-being.

Finally, Green Yoga is part of an eco-responsible lifestyle philosophy . Practitioners are encouraged to integrate the values of Green Yoga into their daily lives, by adopting more environmentally friendly habits, such as reducing their energy consumption , favoring local and organic products, or minimizing their ecological footprint . The practice thus becomes a means of personal transformation , while contributing to a positive impact on the world .

In short, the practice of Green Yoga goes beyond the simple physical practice and extends to a philosophy of life that combines personal well-being and respect for the planet . It allows you to reconnect with yourself while cultivating environmental awareness , making yoga a deeply committed and holistic practice.

OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS OF GREEN YOGA

The goals of Green Yoga are both personal and collective, seeking to create inner transformation while incorporating ecological responsibility . This practice is based on the idea that individual well-being is linked to the health of the planet , and that by taking care of oneself, one also contributes to the preservation of the environment. Green Yoga combines traditional yoga principles with an ecological ethic , thus offering a path to a balanced and harmonious lifestyle.

Green Yoga fosters a deep connection with nature , especially during outdoor practices. Through each breath and movement, practitioners align with the natural elements and integrate nature's rhythms into their daily practice. This reconnection with nature helps develop a heightened environmental awareness , encouraging practitioners to care for the earth while cultivating their own physical and mental well-being.

On a physical level, Green Yoga strengthens flexibility , balance , and muscle strength , while improving posture and conscious breathing . It helps you better anchor yourself in the present, feel the benefits of the postures , and reconnect with your body on a deeper level. Green Yoga sessions, especially when practiced in natural environments, bring a sense of calm and regeneration , while reducing physical tension and accumulated stress.

Mentally and emotionally, Green Yoga plays a calming role. It reduces stress and anxiety , promoting mental clarity and better emotional management. Regular practice helps cultivate mindful presence and emotional balance , making practitioners more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This helps them develop an attitude of gratitude toward nature and cultivate a deeper spiritual connection with the natural world.

Green Yoga also aims to encourage a more environmentally friendly lifestyle . By incorporating practices such as the use of eco-friendly materials and concrete actions to protect nature, it inspires an active commitment to ecology. This encourages practitioners to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle , rethink their relationship with consumption, and reduce their ecological footprint , both in their yoga practice and in their daily lives.

In short, the goals of Green Yoga are not limited to personal development, but extend to the protection of the planet , through a respectful and conscious practice of the environment. It is a holistic path that promotes reflection , inner transformation , and collective action for the well-being of the Earth and its inhabitants.

  • VALENTINE

    1994, Reunion Island, Mauritius, a Life carried by the Indian Ocean and Yoga

    Since childhood, this intrepid traveler has traveled the globe, leaving her footprints on beaches around the world.

    Passionate about surfing, scuba diving and sailing, she has made the oceans her playground and source of inspiration.

    The freedom of the waves, the serenity of the ocean depths and the wind in his sails have punctuated his journey, always guided by a quest for connection with nature.

    It was through her explorations that yoga became more than a practice for her – it was a way of life.

    Between early morning surf sessions and meditative sunsets, she found in yoga a perfect balance of strength, flow and self-awareness.

    Today, she combines her passion for water sports with teaching yoga and is part of the Yogaterrae team, here in France, in the South West and often remotely :)

    This adventurer is a true source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to live in harmony with their body and nature.

    Through her stories of incredible experiences, she invites everyone to open up to a world where every wave, every breath and every posture is a celebration of life.

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