Soak up the Benefits of Practicing Yoga Outdoors
By: Heather Van Dalfsen, MED, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, Certified Yoga Therapist, Yoga and Pilates Teacher
Each summer 5 Koshas offers outdoor yoga in two different locations. One is atop Rib Mountain, and the other is at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum Sculpture Garden. Practicing in nature offers many benefits, according to Heather Van Dalfsen, who teaches the Monday classes at the amphitheater on Rib Mountain. Here she shares what students can gain from practicing in nature.
The trees, birds, sky, clouds, sun, breeze—all the big and small details of connecting to nature can enhance the experience of yoga, which invites individuals to connect more deeply to themselves and their intention.
Many individuals find the outdoor setting a foundation for shifting from work, routines, family, etc. The ritual of Monday Rib Mountain Yoga invites individuals to embrace this shift. The external stimuli surrounding the practice space offers the senses to be heightened, while the movements, breathing, meditations and rest ease individuals deeper into an internal awareness and connection to what is important to them.
As the summer progresses, students are invited to bring an object that celebrates their summer. We place them all at the front of class as an additional focal point and share of gratitude. Some bring flowers from their garden, rocks or tokens from their travels; in later August into September, one family brings bags of vegetables from their garden to share with their classmates.
Students have been so supportive of this outdoor class. We practice at the amphitheater atop Rib Mountain so students can choose a place in this space to explore their movement, breathing and meditation practice, plus time to rest—all among a group of kind and welcoming individuals. Students have the opportunity to be quiet as they prepare for practice, while others like to gather and catch up with friends before or after class. Some stay after class to meditate or hike. Many share that they connect to ‘childlike joy’ and curiosity while outside. The energy of the mountain and the surrounding view from this ‘corner of the world’ is humbling and inspiring.
Rib Mountain Class Details
The outdoor yoga classes run from early June through through September 22.
Day / Time: Mondays at 5:30-6:45pm
Location: At the amphitheater at the top of Rib Mountain State Park, 149801 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401
Parking/How to Get There: Students can drive up and park near the amphitheater. If you’re new to the class, you will need a Wisconsin State Park pass to enter the park, which is good for one year from date of purchase. Some students park at the base of the mountain and hike the service road up to the amphitheater. This is about a 1-mile hike.
What to Know Before You Go: This class is for all levels. Students are encouraged to bring 1-2 yoga mats, a blanket, and a water bottle. Depending on weather, it’s good to dress in layers. Also, bug spray may be needed. The amphitheater has benches so some students can use those as needed.
Night Out at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum – Yoga in the Sculpture Garden
This is a free outdoor yoga class that gives students a chance to experience the invigoration of yoga amid artwork in the sculpture garden.
Day / Time / Teachers:
Thursday, July 3, 5:30-6:30 PM with Mary Kluz, RYT-500 & Amanda Greene, Certified Meditation Teacher
August 7, 5:30-6:30 PM with Sherry Oakes, RYT-200
Location: The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, 700 N 12th St, Wausau, WI 54403
What to Know Before You Go: This class is for all levels. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable layered clothes, and bring a yoga mat, any personal props such as a blanket, blocks or straps, a water bottle, and bug spray or sunscreen. After class, take an evening stroll through the galleries or grounds as the museum stays open until 7:30 PM.