Eco-Yoga: How Conscious Practice Can Heal Both You and the Planet
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Yoga isn't just a path to inner peace, it's a mindful journey that nurtures the Earth through sustainable choices and daily intention.
Yoga isn't just a path to inner peace—it's also a way to nurture the world around you. Embracing eco-yoga means aligning your wellness routine with environmentally conscious choices. It's about understanding that your daily habits—from the clothes you wear to the food you eat—have an impact on the Earth.
'Yoga teaches us to live with awareness, simplicity, and compassion," says Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, author and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa. 'When you heal yourself, you begin to heal the planet. Yoga encourages a minimalist lifestyle and reminds us that we are a part of nature—not separate from it."
From switching to sustainable yoga gear to adopting a plant-based diet, eco-yoga is about taking mindful steps toward balance, both within and beyond. 'It's not just physical exercise," Akshar explains. 'Practising yoga is a sacred offering to the Earth. It cultivates deep respect for all living beings and promotes a way of life that's gentle on the planet."
6 Simple Eco-Yoga Practices to Embrace Daily
1. Healing Walk
Begin your morning with a barefoot walk on grass. Extend your arms shoulder-width apart, palms facing each other, and sync your breath with your steps. Start with 2–3 minutes, gradually increasing to 10. It grounds your body and centers your mind.
2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
From all fours, curl your toes under and lift your hips to form an inverted V. Try to press your heels toward the ground. Hold for 10 seconds. This pose improves blood circulation and helps calm the nervous system.
3. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Stand tall and place your right foot on your left inner thigh. Raise your arms overhead with palms together. Gaze at a fixed point and hold for 5 seconds. This pose enhances balance, stability, and concentration.
5. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
On hands and knees, inhale as you arch your back and lift your chest (cow), and exhale as you round your spine and tuck your chin (cat). This sequence improves spinal flexibility and boosts energy flow.
6. Scorpion Pose (Vrschikasana) (Advanced)
Start in a forearm stand. Walk your feet in, then kick up one leg at a time. Once stable, bend your knees and bring your feet toward your head. Hold for 5 seconds. This challenging pose builds strength and sharpens mental focus.
By integrating these mindful movements and eco-conscious choices into your routine, you not only deepen your yoga practice but also contribute to the well-being of the Earth. Because true balance begins when we honour both body and planet.
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