The Yoga of Gardening

The principles of yoga extend far beyond the mat. Just as we cultivate strength, flexibility, and inner peace through our practice, we can also find these same qualities in the simple act of gardening. Our wonderful front-of-house team member, Mady, and one of our lovely students, Hilary, recently brought a burst of colour and life to our balcony planters, and it got us thinking about the parallels between tending to a garden and nurturing our yoga journey.

Consider the first of the Yamas, Ahimsa – non-violence, or kindness.

When we sow a seed, nurture a seedling, and care for a growing plant, we are embodying Ahimsa. We are choosing to support life, and to protect it from harm. Just as we strive for non-harming in our thoughts, words, and actions on and off the mat, gardening invites us to extend that same compassion to the natural world around us.

Then there's Santosha, the Niyama of contentment.

There's a sense of peace and satisfaction that comes from working with the earth. Whether it's the unfurling of a new leaf or the first glimpse of a flower bud, gardening teaches us to appreciate the present moment and find joy in the simple beauty of nature. This mirrors our yoga practice, where we learn to find contentment within ourselves, regardless of external circumstances.

Think also of Tapas, the Niyama of discipline and self-effort.

A thriving garden doesn't just happen; it requires consistent effort – watering, weeding, tending. Similarly, our yoga practice calls for dedication and commitment. We show up on our mats, we breathe, we move, even when it feels challenging. Both gardening and yoga teach us the value of perseverance and the rewards that come from consistent effort.

Just like our yoga practice helps us to cultivate inner growth and balance, tending to a garden connects us to the earth and reminds us of the cyclical nature of life. It’s a reminder that with care and attention, even the smallest seed can blossom into something beautiful.

Thank you Mady & Hilary. Their work is a reminder that the spirit of yoga can be found in so many aspects of our lives, even in the simple joy of planting flowers.

We hope this inspires you to find your own connections between your practice and the world around you, perhaps even in your own garden or a nearby green space. We'd love to hear your thoughts – feel free to drop us an email to let us know.

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