Words: Eva Kristlova
Did you know that the UK’s coastline is approximately 19,491 miles long, including all islands?
So it is not surprising that Beach Yoga is on the rise, getting increasingly popular as so many people are finding the incredible benefits of spending time near the sea – and even better practicing yoga outdoors!
HOW IT ALL STARTED
I started running Beach Yoga many years ago, and it all started with a dog. My amazing chocolate lab Maxi. I found myself wandering along the beach every day, taking my four legged companion for his morning walk. Then I started to bring my yoga mat. I would sit on the beach and practice for a few minutes and these morning walks and short yoga practices soon became invaluable. I just could not do without it!
Soon enough more people started to arrive – enquiring about joining me on the beach. Often it was just me and a handful of other beach and yoga enthusiasts. The word started to spread and now we have quite a few ‘core’ (or hardcore?) yogis who come to the beach in any weather, we even did beach yoga in snow! The numbers grow and we now have a very solid number of regulars who will not miss the class for anything. People would change their work commitments just to be able to be there which is so humbling and now we are a large, devoted group of yogis, meeting on our local pebble beach each week of the year, sometimes twice!
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT
Imagine the ever-changing scenery in front of your eyes. The beach is different every single day. From the waves and their intensity, the sounds of the sea – sometimes very gentle and at times overwhelmingly loud. The colour of the water ranges from sparkly blue to emerald green, to cooling silver. The tides are forever changing too; the low tide uncovers beautiful golden sand and when the tide is high we have a rocky beach. The sun is warming our faces, the birds are singing their songs, the sea breeze ruffles our hair…and we feel as if we were transported to a truly magical place, for a mini break, retreat, holiday.
COMMUNITY FEEL
We practice all year round. In winter we wrap up in coats, hats, scarves, gloves and thick socks, enjoying the sharpness of the cold air and watching our breath as it emerges and gives flight into the bright air. In summer we enjoy the heat on our bodies as we practice together and we often swim after class. The social aspect of the class is so important to us all. The English Channel is often freezing, even in mid-summer, so there is usually a lot of squealing and laughter as we paddle together, running in and out of the waves. Afterwards we warm up with a hot drink in a local beach café and enjoy a catch up together.
There is something so special about practising together on the beach. All your worries are washed away with the tide and you feel energised and recharged, ready for all that life has in store. The sound of the sea, the birds and nature make this class so special for everyone. It is good for balance and posture too as our local beach is covered in pebbles which can make you very wobbly! It is also a donation-based class so if you are short on money, pay in fruit, veg, chocolate or a hug! Everyone is very welcome. I always think of our morning together as a little yoga holiday, a ‘break from the norm’, taking some time out from the busyness of everyday life. It is definitely one of my favourite times of the week.
BEACH YOGA BENEFITS
The benefits of the beach yoga (or any outdoor yoga if you don’t live near the beach) are too many to list, for both the mind and body, including enhanced relaxation, improved mood, increased flexibility, and a deeper connection with nature. The natural environment of the beach, with its sounds of waves and open space promotes mindfulness and reduces stress and anxiety. Other benefits include:
- Fresh air that improves your breathing, boosts immune system and overall health.
- Community spirit – the classes are relaxed and friendly and often end by a paddle in the sea or even a swim and a cup of tea. New friendships blossom on and off the mat.
- Great for your mental health – you literally let go of your daily worries and stresses when on the beach – you get that holiday feel!
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEACH YOGIS SAYING
‘There is nothing more magic and powerful than practising yoga following the rhythms of the waves, whilst being caressed by the sea breeze and the gentle guidance from Eva. If you want to experience Oneness with the Universe, try this out.’ Elisa
‘The beach yoga with Eva is the most beautiful mid week gift we can give ourselves. The sounds of the sea soothe the senses and draw us inward as we enjoy the f lowing and gently powerful practice of asana, mudra and meditation from our experienced and welcoming teacher and friend, with a caring and connected group of regular and new folks who are drawn to this special place and practice. The beach shows us a different ‘elemental studio’ of soft golden sand, crunchy pebbles, beautiful shells and sometimes balance testing rocks, where the cliffs meet the sea near Eastbourne’s sacred Holy Well. How lucky are we with our little mid-week yogi’s holiday which has a very special place in my heart.’ Marnie
I will leave you with this…. ‘Smell the sea and touch the sky, let your soul and spirit fly’ (Van Morison)
- Internal retreat for your whole body, mind and spirit
- Fun – Challenge yourself by balancing on the rocks and have a good laugh when you wobble more than usual.
- Feel truly alive and immerse yourself in the elements! Water (sea), Fire (sun), Air (sea breeze), Earth (beach) and Ether (the energy charged atmosphere that surrounds us)
- Vitamin D and Sea!
They say that the energy is most potent and healing where the sea meets the land.. and that is where you will find us. If any of the readers fancy a little day trip to Eastbourne do get in touch and join us on the beach, you will be in for a (re)treat!
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