Practicing yoga on the beach allows you to connect with the sensory perception of the sea, the land and the sky. In addition, natural elements enhance the physical and mental benefits of yoga.
The sea breeze, the smell of salt and the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the beach create the perfect environment for relaxation and connection with our interior. Practicing yoga on the beach is a great body-mind-spirit experience that multiplies the great benefits of this therapy and adds those of nature.
A yoga practice on the beach that connects breathing with movement will allow you to go deeper into each of your senses to have more energy during the day.
You will feel more aware, connected and at peace with yourself. Being aware of our senses will lead you to a more centered, lighter and calmer state of life.
If you practice in the afternoon, yoga on the beach will also help you fall asleep and sleep better by regenerating and rejuvenating your entire body.
FEEL NATURE
Yoga on the beach produces impressive benefits. The soft and rhythmic sound of the waves of the sea stimulates our senses and makes the practice of yoga a fresh space of conscious attention and sensory meditation.
Listening to the sounds of nature while we carry out deep and relaxed breaths, helps the muscles to be looser and more flexible and eliminates tensions even in the deepest tissues, which facilitates progress in each posture.
6 ASANAS TO RELAX AND RECONNECT
1. BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
Astha chandrasana
- Standing, inhale and take a big step back with your left leg. Keep it straight and your heel raised. Make sure your right knee is aligned with your ankle.
- Raise your arms to the sky and stretch your torso. Keep your shoulders down. Take a long, deep breath and focus your gaze toward the horizon.
- Repeat by changing legs.
2. STRENGTHEN YOUR BALANCE
Nataraj asana
- Standing, lift your right leg back and grab your foot on the outside with your right hand.
- Lean forward while your foot brings your hand back and stretch your shoulder muscles and ligaments.
- Stretch your left arm forward and bring your gaze above your left hand, over the horizon. Take five long, deep breaths, letting the sea breeze massage your skin.
- Pay attention to the foot, its rooting in the sand, to maintain a good balance. Regular, deep breathing is also key to maintaining stability.
3. STRENGTHEN YOUR LEGS
Vrksasana
- Standing, bring all the weight of your body to your left leg. Activates the thigh and foot. Keep your hips at the same height.
- Raise your right knee and turn it outward until you can gently rest your foot on the inside side of your left thigh. You can help yourself with your hand.
- Activate your arms and lift them straight until you have them parallel above your head. Lengthen the spine as long as you can. Stretch your arms up again, to your fingertips. Breathe three times and slowly lower your arms.
- Repeat with the other leg.
4. STRETCH YOUR BACK
Balasana
- From the “four-legged” posture on hands and knees, exhale and bring your buttocks towards your heels. Extend your arms forward.
- Spread your knees a little apart and stretch your spine. Relax your shoulders. Rest with your forehead on the floor. Loosen the neck. You can place a cushion under your forehead, if you need it.
- Relax in this position for a few long, deep breaths. Listen to the gentle sound of waves crashing on the beach.
5. OPEN YOUR HIPS
Eka pada rajakapotasana
- Get “on all fours”, bring your left knee forward to your left hand and, at the same time, put your foot in front of your right knee.
- Stretch your right leg back and let the weight of your body fall on your legs.
- Inhale, incorporate and stretch the torso and bring your hands over your heart. Feel the earth under your skin, the sun vitalizing your being and the breeze refreshing you. Repeat by changing legs.
6. CALM THE MIND
Sukh asana
- Sitting cross-legged, feel the pressure of your ischia against the sand. Modify your posture to make it as comfortable as possible. It lengthens the spine and stretches the cervical.
- Bring your hands together over the center of your heart and raise your arms toward the sky, keeping your shoulders down away from your ears.
- Breathe deeply and feel how the sun’s rays penetrate your skin. You can take the opportunity to meditate with your eyes closed.