“Mindful movement outdoors cultivates resilience, suppleness and strength while reminding us to laugh and be playful.”
This is the description found on social media for the outdoor yoga classes offered by Orillia's Kind Living with Sue Sinclair. Not only does it describe the benefits of yoga, but also reveals how Sinclair has adapted to our ever-changing circumstances.
With Kind Living’s physical studio space temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the business has launched an online studio space as well as in-person outdoor yoga classes.
“I seem to be using the word ‘adapt’ quite a bit this year, as we all try to navigate uncharted territory,” said Sinclair. “Offering outdoor classes is one of the ways we are adapting. Even with last-minute changes because of weather conditions, students say they love being outdoors. They’ve been such a supportive community for us.”
Sinclair runs the business with partner Robb McDonald, who, in recent months, has been able to assist with the technology challenges of an online studio, where a wide range of classes is offered.
From chair yoga to five- and 10-minute conditioning routines to full body Hatha Flow classes, participants can choose to practise when and where they want. There’s even a 20-minute 'Sweet Dreams' session to help you sleep.
Except for special events and requests, this is the first time the studio has offered regular outdoor classes. The classes take place in the shady backyard of the Kind Living facility, located along the Lightfoot Trail near Couchiching Beach Park.
For Sinclair, the outdoor classes have brought some unexpected benefits.
“I've been reflecting a lot about how we can adapt with more ease and grace and I’ve discovered how practising outside seems to give us more permission to be playful with our practice," she explained. "We are less inclined to judge ourselves harshly, and less likely to compare ourselves to others, both huge gifts in my opinion.”
Sinclair’s students have also discovered the joy of outdoor yoga.
“I love it,” said Lisa James, who often participates in the outdoor sessions with her daughter, Lindsay McKenzie. “I need to be outside; I’m a mountain biker and climber, so for me, it just fits. It’s lovely to be able to look up at the sky; I’m so grateful that Sue is doing this for us.”
James says she also enjoys the challenges created by the outdoor landscape and uneven ground.
“I think being able to move naturally in our landscape helps us with the challenges we face in day-to-day life,” said James.
For McKenzie, it’s the challenge of the outside sounds that provides an added benefit.
“Because of all the outside noise, we have to zone in on our own little bubble, which is less of a challenge in a perfectly calm indoor studio. I think this helps us do the same in our everyday lives – tune out the outside buzz and check in with ourselves," said McKenzie.
“I think we're all just happy to be part of a group where priorities have shifted from performing on the mat, to simply enjoying mindful movement,” remarked Sinclair. “If we can only be the best version of ourselves when circumstances are perfect, it doesn't serve us very well when circumstances aren't perfect. And I think we can all agree that current circumstances are anything but perfect!”
Another of Sinclair’s students, Wendy Lowry, said she loves how the outdoor setting takes some of the seriousness out of yoga.
“Outside, you trip, fall, hear a bird or city noises; it’s not perfect and that’s what it’s all about," said Lowry. "It reminds me of a saying I learned from a yoga guru recently – ‘May we live like the lotus at ease in the muddy water.’”
With the popularity of the outdoor classes, the pandemic-inspired adaption may continue even after the indoor studio space re-opens.
“Some of my students said they’d even come to outdoor classes in the winter wearing their snowsuits,” said Sinclair.
While Sinclair is not yet prepared to open her indoor studio, she welcomes new participants to both the outdoor yoga sessions and to her online studio. To learn more, visit kindliving.ca.
