So much of my life is routine, even my practice. And I tend to be a homebody, which sometimes means spending a LOT of time in my studio apartment. One of the things I love about practicing outdoors is simply the shake up of it. It’s like crossing my feet in the non-habitual way. It just FEELS different.
I can’t help but connect with the air around me and the ground under my feet and get out of my own head. There’s just something about a real live breeze and the actual sunshine – GAH! – I just adore it. (Daily Downward Dog agrees.)
You can bring your mat outside anytime. If you’re like me, and appreciate a little structure to keep you going, here are some FREE outdoor classes in and around New York City.
These three are on my list.
Bryant Park
Classes are on the Upper Terrace on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and on the lawn on Thursdays at 6 p.m. May-September
Gantry Plaza State Park
On Pier 1 August 12 at 10 a.m., September 9 at 5 p.m.
Socrates Sculpture Park
Kripalu yoga on Saturdays at 9:30 and 11 a.m. May
12–September 30
I haven’t tried these yet. Have you?
Chelsea 14th Street Park
Laughing Lotus yoga classes on Saturdays
at 9 a.m. June–August
Target East Harlem Community Garden
Saturdays at 11 a.m. May–September
Prospect Park
Thursday nights at 7 p.m. (near the
Grand Army Plaza entrance). May
24–September 6
martinis and mantras 
Hummm….something about the mashup of martinis and mantras just makes me smile. Thanks for the shout out for The Daily Downward Dog and YES definitely get that yoga mat outdoors this summer – you will LOVE IT! Nothing better than a yoga practice out in the sunshine or under the stars!
Thanks @downwarddog !