Yoga in the Garden

When people ask me what I do for exercise, I tell them that I do Yoga in the Garden.  It is serene and peaceful in a green and growing setting.  It clears my mind yet leaves me tired and refreshed at the same time.

I usually enter my sanctuary in an opening between old and bent cedar trees and give pause for an abbreviated Sun Salutation.  After passing the cedar trees, I immediately look up at a large evergreen tree with majestic branches.  On a hazy day like today, the sun's rays broke through and I folded my hands together over my chest to give thanks for another beautiful day on the Back Forty Garden and Park.

I proceed to the garden to find a suitable place where I can stretch my arms up above my head, breath in. As  I lower my arms to reach weeds by my ankles, I let out an audible sigh.  This procedure is repeated several times until my back cries out for relief.

Slowly, I raise myself up to a standing position with my legs slightly apart and my hands by my sides.  I inhale as I lift my arms above my head, palms out until my fingers touch.  I hold the position for a few seconds.  I let my arms return to my sides as I let my breath out.  I repeat this a few times, stretching and breathing.  Ahh, my back feels so much better.

Did I tell a fib?  Not really.  Many positions in yoga are so much like that of weeding the garden.  Why not incorporate some of those moves as well as being mindful about the breathing, slowly inhale and slowly exhale?.  When I do weed the garden, it does clear my mind.  For a short time, there are no worries.

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