“Nature is my religion. The trees my churches, the mountains my cathedrals.”

One of the many amazing things about living in the heart of Washington, DC is that there are ample parks and locations dedicated to preserving and enjoying nature. My friends who aren’t from DC often think of here are a crowded city, but it’s actually incredibly scenic and gorgeous, and beautiful blend of stunning landscapes and architect woven together.

I’ve never been one to really try the outdoor yoga thing. I saw way more disadvantages than advantages: people staring at you like you’re some kind of hippie-dippie weirdo, the distraction of what’s going on around your practice, the discomfort that can come with bugs and grass and sun and wind and whatever. Still, I felt the urge to get outdoors and soak up some bright greens and blues of nature, and it revolutionized my practice.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly without fear for newer and richer experiences.” 

It was such an incredibly centering and spiritual time of quiet and peace. When I spend time outdoors, it’s impossible for me to not believe in the goodness of others and the grace of God. I was surprised that my list of drawbacks weren’t relevant at all. No one really paid much attention to me, which was wonderful. I actually was so incredibly focused and rejuvenated by my surroundings that I felt enriched and meditative; the potential annoyances of nature didn’t get to me at all. My outdoor yoga session have reminded me of this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt (one of my personal inspirations…I could care less about celebs, I’ll take Eleanor and Queen Elizabeth I):

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly without fear for newer and richer experiences.”There are so many sad things that happen in life, and one of the great, quiet tragedies is when we merely exist from day to day without truly tasting, seeing, and knowing that life is good, that it is amazing despite all the bad. I don’t think we have to climb mountains or travel the world to live life out loud; sometimes it’s just changing up our days enough to see a new route to work or soaking up sunlight during a walk.

Ashtanga outdoors is my new thing. Seriously, I’m such a tree-hugging nature lover, how have I not jumped on this band wagon sooner?! Totally loving it!!! Find something everyday to fall a little more in love with about life, and soon you’ll be madly in love with your one wonderful and precious Life.