Peas And Carrots: Yoga And The Great Outdoors
It’s practically a given. We love being outside as much as we can during summer. For those of us who also like yoga, or are interested in trying this ancient system of wellness, consider joining me, Lakewood resident and yoga instructor Marcia Camino, for classes at Lakewood Park this summer.
Running on Monday evenings from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm through the end of August, I will be offering classes consisting of what I call ‘easy breezy’ yoga at our city park. This yoga is open to all levels of student and yoga fans of all types. We meet under the trees just north of the bandstand on the east side of the park. The cost of the class is by donation.
I am big fan of Outdoor Yoga, having taught over 250 classes outdoors to date. Immediately after becoming certified in yoga, I began my teaching career at Holden Arboretum and the next summer launched what became a very successful summer Outdoor Yoga program at Case Western Reserve University. I have taught outdoors at botanical gardens, street fairs, farmers’ markets, yoga events, and at children’s parties. These experiences, along with my five years living awhile back in Alaska- the land of the midnight sun, where being outdoors as much as possible in the short summer is the name of the game- sealed my passion for practicing yoga outdoors: my two favorite things brought together.
Like Alaskans, we in Cleveland really pay for our summers by enduring intense winters and often springs. As one of my students said after a particularly beautiful summer evening class a few years back, “Yoga and the outdoors go together like peas and carrots.”
My instruction when I teach outdoors is intentionally at a minimum so that the students’ enjoyment level- being in nature, taking in everything with the senses, breathing in so much more healing fresh air than can be had indoors- is at a maximum. This is yoga for all, nature buffs and yogis alike.
There is little you need to attend and enjoy an Outdoor Yoga class: An old, inexpensive yoga mat, blanket or large towel, sunglasses, and water. Dressing in layers and wearing sunscreen are recommended.
There is no pre-registration required for these classes, and they are open to the entire community.
Marcia Camino
Marcia Camino, founder of Pink Lotus Yoga in Lakewood, offers private and public classes and workshops for adults and children. Her specialties and interests include Amrit Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Hot Yoga, and Outdoor Yoga. She can be reached at marciacamino@gmail.com.