Introduction/overview:
Beach yoga is designed to encourage women to take care of their physical and mental health while also raising ecological awareness by practicing yoga in a natural coastal setting. The series of sessions introduced by Active Zone Outdoor takes place on the beach during the full moon, meeting the need for sports activities that engage the community without negatively impacting the environment.
Objectives:
- Promoting physical and mental health through yoga in a natural setting
- Minimizing environmental impact by utilizing natural resources and avoiding energy-intensive facilities
- Increasing understanding of environmental protection and raising awareness of sustainable development by consciously connecting participants with nature
Description of the practice:
It is a series of yoga sessions on a sandy beach, where the natural surroundings help create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Before and after each yoga session, participants engage in discussions about how clean air, a healthy environment, and spending time outdoors positively influence both physical and mental well-being. The practice takes place at dusk and continues under the light of the full moon, avoiding the need for artificial lighting. After the session, participants use their reusable water bottles, and the organizers provide healthy snacks—fruits—to help reduce waste. Afterward, the entire group participates in cleaning the area, and AZO members ensure that any remaining waste is recycled.
Impact and results:
This initiative engaged around 20 participants per session. Feedback gathered after the practice indicates increased mindfulness and appreciation for the natural environment among the participants. Additionally, by avoiding enclosed facilities, the sessions reduce carbon emissions associated with air conditioning and indoor lighting. The use of reusable water bottles and fruit snacks aligns positively with the waste reduction policy. Through discussions, practice, and direct positive experiences of the environment’s impact on our nervous system and overall mental health, participants become more aware of the crucial role a clean environment plays in human well-being. The qualitative benefits include a strengthened sense of responsibility for protecting the natural environment.
Challenges and solutions:
The primary challenge was waste management and ensuring that participants respect the natural environment. However, as it turned out during the sessions, staying in a natural setting and a workshop focused on beach care helped maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings.
Can it be repeated?:
Yoga on the beach workshops can be conducted in other coastal regions at minimal cost. The simplicity of this workshop makes it easy to replicate in various locations – not only on the beach but also by lakes, in forests, or in urban parks – as the goal is to bring participants closer to nature. Emphasizing the natural environment and a low impact on it ensures the sustainability of the project.
Conclusion:
The workshops are a successful example of sustainable physical activity that promotes both mental health and environmental protection. Their affordable, easy-to-implement model offers communities a meaningful way to engage responsibly with nature, demonstrating how sports and wellness practices can prioritize ecological awareness.
Recommendations:
We recommend that groups interested in implementing this workshop provide reusable or biodegradable items (such as yoga mats or water bottles) and organize discussions on the impact of the environment on our mental and physical health. Additionally, regular beach clean-up actions alongside yoga sessions can further enhance the impact and sustainability of the workshop.
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