In my practice, I have been inspired by the idea of ‘Sustainable Yoga’ – an eco-friendly approach to spiritual growth that cultivates wholesome practices while also preserving our planet’s resources.
The yoga community is committed to safeguarding the environment for future generations, and this comes in many forms. From practicing pose-based sequences which are not detrimental to the earth; all the way up to embracing green practices like recycled clothing and yoga mats!
Why is sustainability important in yoga?
In the practice of yoga, we often sacrifice our personal comfort in order to meet a spiritual goal. However, if you’re considering starting an eco-friendly yoga practice or committing to creating a more sustainable lifestyle, it’s important to consider not only how you can benefit but also why this is beneficial to your spiritual self.
If there are any doubts about whether sustainability practices are right for you – don’t hesitate! Consider these benefits:
What’s the history of yoga and the environment?
The ancient Vedic culture of India is renowned for its exemplary reverence for nature. This idealized notion of yoga remains a central tenet in the practice; even today environmentalism continues to flourish as an intrinsic part of its essence – evidenced by the countless festivals celebrated with special attention given toward preserving Mother Earth and its inhabitants.
When practiced diligently, yoga can help cultivate a sense of connection between self and environment. Studying this longstanding tradition can be quite enlightening indeed!
What is sustainable yoga?
Before we delve into the definition of sustainability and explore its applications in this space, let’s unpack what it is not.
For starters, you can’t be a devotee of yoga if you simply don’t care about its impact on the environment! If you haven’t taken the time to look at how your habits impact the planet – chances are that you may be consuming more than you are producing. On top of this, if you fail to keep tabs on your personal footprint then there’s little chance you’ll be able create lasting change in this regard.
Indeed, opportunities abound for those seeking an easy-going path towards sustainability: choose organic produce when dining out, avoid plastic containers at home or even consider purchasing reusable containers when doling out leftovers from meals with friends. It doesn’t have to be difficult to start down this path; all it takes is one decision here and there!
If you’re yet to discover the benefits of striving toward a more sustainable lifestyle, here are just a few highlights of why yoga enthusiasts everywhere should make their commitment to reducing our environmental footprint:
1. Our collective impact is undeniably significant. As individuals and as part of society collectively we expend considerable resources on food production, transportation and other activities which generate CO2 emissions. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that each person contributes roughly 1 metric tonne of greenhouse gases every year (equivalent to approximately 726 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions); making us an overwhelming contributor to climate change! Despite this alarming figure though there is still hope! Notably, awareness has increased from an estimated 15% in 1990 up to 85% today; meaning that even if everyone within our nation reduced their respective emissions by only 5% – that would still constitute meaningful progress towards combating climate change!
There are numerous ways to lessen the impact we have on our environment. Whether choosing eco-friendly products at home or getting involved in community service projects, engaging in actions helps us make small but meaningful contributions toward climate mitigation efforts. Ultimately such actions will help cultivate a more compassionate coexistence between humanity and Mother Nature – helping us transcend our own limitations and realize our potential for growth!
How can students practice more sustainable forms of yoga?
There are many ways that yoga can be practiced sustainably; however, if you adhere to the principles of core practices and make certain tweaks here and there, then it should be relatively straightforward for practitioners to create a more eco-friendly experience.
By avoiding polyester clothing when possible, opting for cotton garments instead and purchasing organic foods when possible can help reduce any negative impact on the environment. Moreover – by utilizing only water-based products in your studio like soaps and shampoos – it’s possible to create an ideal ambiance conducive for relaxation.
There are myriad options for expressing sustainable yoga practice: chop off greasy locks or sun bathe during down time at the beach; plant trees in honor of the Earth Mother goddesses such as Ganga River Yamuna or Narmada River; gather shells during excursions along shorelines; or even engage in chant or pranayama while traversing through lush forests.
What can teachers do to help their students practice more sustainably?
At the outset, teachers have a tremendous opportunity to initiate conversation about sustainability and eco-friendly practices. In some ways, it’s beneficial for them to be mindful of this aspect in their yoga teaching; after all – if no one knows about it then we can’t make progress!
If you are an instructor with access to classes or events where you could make use of sustainable offerings from various vendors, feel free to take advantage – there is no shortage of options nowadays! You may even want to consider offering your own initiatives as well in order to lend credibility to such efforts. For instance, YOU could organize a Yoga Special Event that relies on recycled materials when constructing its venue. Alternatively ~ providing a donation towards one such endeavor would also be an admirable option!
Is there an online course or certification that helps with sustainable yoga practices?
If you’re looking to advance your yoga career or simply seeking a higher level of certification, consider enrolling in an online course.
You can find classes that range anywhere from one hour to six weeks’ worth of instruction. Some even offer certificates upon completion; some are self-paced while others require attendance at salons or studios around the globe.
Conclusion
The benefits of a yogic lifestyle are numerous, including improved health and well-being, increased energy levels, enhanced concentration capabilities and heightened intuition. All of these perks can be attained without negatively impacting our planet’s resources – making this practice truly an eco-friendly choice!
To harness the power of yoga and diminish its impact on our Earth, we must redouble our efforts. That includes everything from purchasing eco-friendly equipment and products to practicing in a more sustainable manner (e.g., utilizing mats made from recycled materials instead of purchasing new ones).
