One of the great parts of having a yoga practice is that when it comes down to it, all you really need is yourself. It’s empowering to know I can take my practice anywhere, here and there, indoors or out. Sometimes I find myself engaged in yoga during a long plane ride; or I see the sun is setting over some beautiful parkland meadow and it just makes me think: “I want to be a part of that sunset.” So I set my mat down in the grass, raise my hands to the heavens while pushing your shoulders down; and suddenly I feel a part of everything in the universe. For my home yoga practice, I practice outdoors as much as possible. As long as it’s above 70 degrees, without much rain or high winds, I’m out there. While all you need for your yoga practice is essentially yourself, if your taking your practice outdoors, there are certain items worth bringing along.

What to Consider Bringing:

Yoga Mat: I recommend a regular rubber mat or a cloth Mysore Practice Rug. The cloth practice rug isn’t as much a rug as it is a thick, cloth mat, and I find it to be a great choice for beach yoga where the rubber mat might get over-heated. Using a spray bottle to lightly moisten your mysore mat adds to the already present natural traction provided by the cloth.

Water:  (more than enough)

Insect Repellent: I recommend using products with DEET only when absolutely necessary. All other times, combining with a carrying oil (e.g. avocado oil) and applying two or three of the following essential oils seems to do the trick: Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Basil, Pine, Clove, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Cajeput, and Cinnamon.

Portable Audio Player: For this, I’d use a small, portable speaker + cellphone with uploaded music)

Towel: small, multi-use

Headlamp: For sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, just in case the location requires a walk/hike in the dark.

Dried Sage: Used as a grounding incense before and after practice.

Lavender Essential Oil: Not only is it an insect repellent, but it’s a curative for any itches, bites, scrapes, and cuts.

First Aid Kit: Always good to have when engaging in outdoor activity, “away from it all.”

Yoga Blocks + Bolsters: Helpful, but entirely optional. Alternately for support, try using what’s around you in nature.