yoga for gardeners

If you come into class early at Barefoot Works, many times you'll hear us talking about gardening. I have fond memories of growing up surrounded by beautiful flowers, plants, and vegetables. My mother was always tending to her flower beds and containers. I can recall pulling weeds and feeling completely happy. My uncle always grew a most magnificent garden on the sunny side of the hill just down the road. It was so much fun to watch these vegetables grow and to this day there's nothing like picking a juicy strawberry on a hot summer day.

I think it's only natural that many yogi's feel a deep connection to the earth and have a love of gardening. After all there are many similarities between yoga and gardening. Both yoga and gardening teach us to be patient and nurturing, and each encourage relaxation and creativity.

Below is a sequence that will leave you feeling very refreshed after a long day of gardening. You can do the sequence before or after gardening, or pick a couple poses to do while digging in the dirt.

*Start in downward facing dog, creating a an upside down V shape with your body.

*Inhale and bring the right foot forward in between your palms. Drop your left knee to the ground. Breathe deeply, releasing your hips towards the earth while you lengthen your spine. Hold for 5-8 deep breaths.

*Bring both hands to the inside of the right foot. Press your hands down and bring your right leg back to a tabletop position (shoulders above palms, hips above knees). Take your right arm and thread it underneath the left for a twist. You'll be resting on your right shoulder. Careful not to strain the neck here. Hold for 5-8 deep breaths. Come back into Downward Facing Dog and repeat the previous two poses with the left leg.

*Come to a seated position on your bottom to prepare for bound angle pose. Bend your legs and bring the soles of your feet together allowing your knees to open to the sides. Come into a gentle forward fold here. Hold for 5-8 deep breaths.

*Move back upright, take your hands and press your knees together. Lie down on your back and prepare for bridge pose. Walk your feet in close to the sitz bones. Keep your feet hip distance apart. With an inhale lift your bottom away from the ground. Continue to lift, moving your weight back towards

your shoulders. Hold f

or 5-8 deep breaths.

*Finish by pulling your knees into your chest. Now you can go back to pulling weeds with a fresh and happy back!

Happy gardening to each of you!