LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | Wellness 40 LOCALadk Magazine Spring 2014 If yoga can help eliminate distractions and bring us into the present moment, and nature inspires a deeper awareness and sense of personal stillness, then yoga in nature can enhance both experiences. Incorporating yoga into your outdoor experiences in the Adirondacks can deepen your personal yoga practice and inspire a new level of appreciation of the splendor of our natural world. Kathy Bagley, a resident on the shores of Lake Placid, practices yoga on her dock with a group of friends several times a week. "As I spread my mat on the dock, I listen to the morning birdsongs and the calls of the loons and I am at peace. Watching the mist rise from the lake and the waves lap at the shore brings a dimension to my yoga practice that you just can't simulate in a yoga studio," Bagley observed. She continued, "Sometimes when we are doing our breathing, a hummingbird flutters above the window box. Just that very small act of nature focuses our attention and brings us deeply into the present moment." Jennifer Tissot, a counselor and resident of Saranac Lake, offers wellness retreats through her collaborative company, Imagine Compassion. "Yoga is always incorporated into our retreats because it brings us into our bodies and the moment," she explained. "At our last retreat, we went outside in the sunshine and leaned our backs against a tree to feel the support, allowing it to hold us and feel a sense of surrender." "It was a very powerful group experience," remarked Kelly Wight, a partner in Imagine Compassion. Meredith Sherman, Assistant Manager of Eastern Mountain Sports, initiated a paddleboard yoga program on Mirror Lake. "People were thrilled to bring their practice onto the water; it allowed them to experience a deeper connection with themselves and the environment. They would comment on the beauty of the scenery and come back both radiant and energized." Whiteface Mountain offers "Yoga on the Mountain" on the summit of Little Whiteface in the summer season. Bill Ward of Wilmington attended the class weekly. "I practice yoga regularly, but the experience of being in the postures on top of a mountain brought a totally different aspect that is less about the form; you feel like a part of the clouds, looking out at high peaks. The weather can be so intense with powerful winds. It is uplifting, sometimes literally; it feels like home," he reflected. You might find an outdoor yoga class or retreat offered in your area. If not, consider getting together with a group of friends and engage a certified yoga teacher for a semi-private session in a location of your choice. If you already have guided experience in yoga, it may be time to step outside, off the mat, for a personal nature yoga practice. To be safe from injury, it is recommended that you initially incorporate poses and movements you understand and are comfortable with. Begin by practicing stillness and embracing the elements. If it's muddy, set the mat aside and feel the earth between your toes. If it's windy, notice the poses as you face into the breeze, then try To t h e F A L L E N 2537 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 518.523.5310 w w w . T h e F a l l e n A r c h . c o m Offering Personalized Service You Can't Buy Online e Adirondacks Only Full Service Running Store

• Cover