We are thrilled to share that starting September 7th, we will be offering early morning yoga outdoors at the NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill on Wednesdays at 7:30 am. Cultivate a calm mind to start the day with us this September and October.

Numerous studies and discussions point to the physical, psychological, and emotional benefits of being in nature, whether in a city park or a national forest. Being immersed in nature can boost the mood, reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and increase happiness and self-esteem. Being connected to the world around us can also foster a deeper sense of community and belonging, while reducing feelings of isolation.

Listening to the sounds of nature, the birds chirping and cicadas clicking; taking in the visual stimulation of nature, the pinks of the phloxes and shapes of the sourwoods; feeling the sensations of nature, the breeze of the wind and texture of the grass, are all acts that bring us into the present moment and still the mind. Patanjali defines yoga as chitta vritti nirodhah (YS 1.2) which translates to “yoga is calming the fluctuations of the mind.” Being in nature is itself an act of yoga!

Join us as we deepen our practice in the presence of the plant and tree friends at the Garden alongside the Meeting-of-the-waters Creek. Register for Morning Outdoor Yoga at the Garden on the NC Botanical Garden Website.

Reach out to the Dogwood Team with any questions at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com. We are here to help.

Ainslee Cunningham is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) who is deeply inspired and influenced by nature. Ainslee aspires to support people with the mind-body connection of yoga, especially those affected by addiction and trauma. She is committed to exploring how we embody the elements of the natural world and how we can deepen our connection to the Earth’s natural rhythms.

SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.