At my first gardening class, the instructor said the number one thing to learn about taking care of your garden is taking care of yourself. If you aren’t in good health, neither will your garden. So wear your sunscreen and strrrrr…ea…..tch.
Because gardens are a means of connecting us to all things, yoga is a complimentary practice. Both take setting an intention, nurturing our bodies and environment, being aware and conscience, and most of all, both are hard work with a really great reward.
Many people who are unfamiliar with yoga may think they are too old, too out of shape, or too tired to try yoga. Or they think it is just tying yourself into a knot and chanting. (Trust me, it is not.) There are so many styles of yoga, that everyone can find something that fits. “Beyond Om: The Many Styles of Yoga” written by Heather Hatfield and featured on Web MD explains these styles and how to pick one that is right for you.
After hours in the garden, your back might hurt, your wrists are sore, your knees feel stiff. There are certain yoga postures specifically for gardeners that relieve the fatigue and strain. Here are some things to get you started on your path to yoga so that you can continue to enjoy all the fruits of your labor. Bad pun intended. Organic Gardening Magazine has a great slide show illustrating poses that you can start today! Below are some other resources that you may want to try: cards with poses, an illustrated book, and an instructional video.
1. Yoga Poses for Gardeners via Yoga Swatchbook 2. Gardner’s Yoga by Veronica D’Orazio via Sasquatch Books 3. Yoga for Gardener’s DVD, Gail Dubinsky, M.D. via RX: Yoga!
Yoga outside can be one of the most energizing experiences. If you don’t have your own private space outdoors that you feel comfortable in, many places offer yoga outdoors: at the park, above the beach, in a vineyard, after urban hiking, backpacking in a National Park, in a group, or on a retreat.
Below is a hatha style yoga video. If you don’t want to try yoga just yet, maybe watch this video to learn a little more about it so when the time is right, you can start your practice. Always remember that your health is the most important thing. So take care of yourself this Spring while working away in your garden.
