Yoga For The Earth: How Sustainable Yogic Living Heals You And The Planet
Embracing eco-yoga isn't just about fitness; it's a compassionate, responsible way of living in alignment with the Earth
Yoga is a powerful conduit between individual wellness and planetary health. As humans, we are part of nature – just like the plants, animals, rivers, and oceans. Yoga teaches mindfulness and conscious action, promoting a sustainable lifestyle that includes reducing meat consumption, choosing eco-friendly habits, and cultivating compassion for all living beings. It nurtures curiosity, inner peace, and innovative thinking, while also making the body physically strong and elevating intellectual capacity.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, author, columnist, and Founder, Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shares how yoga can guide us toward both personal transformation and planetary healing.
Yoga for Conscious Living
Opt for eco-friendly yoga clothing made from natural, organic fabrics. Use reusable yoga props such as bricks and mats to reduce environmental impact. Yoga fosters harmony with the Earth by cultivating awareness and encouraging a positive mindset. It also serves as a powerful deterrent to addiction—be it alcohol, drugs, or gambling—offering emotional balance that heals individuals and, by extension, their communities.
When you heal yourself, you heal the Earth. Yoga is a sacred path that builds a conscious connection between individual actions and global impact. It discourages the exploitation of animals and ecosystems, while embracing simplicity, sustainability, and respect for all life forms.
Healing Walk
This ancient practice blends gentle movement with a connection to nature. Raise your arms shoulder-width apart, palms facing each other, and begin walking. Sync your steps with your breath and walk barefoot on the grass to connect with the Earth. Start with 2–3 minutes and gradually increase to 10 minutes.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
Begin on hands and knees
Curl your toes and lift your knees
Straighten your legs and aim to touch heels to the mat
Hold for 10 seconds
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
Lie on your back and bend your knees, feet hip-width apart
Lift your hips towards the ceiling
Interlock your fingers beneath your back and stretch forward
Hold for 10 seconds
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Stand in Samasthiti (Mountain Pose)
Place your right foot on your left thigh
Engage your core, find balance, and gaze at a fixed point
Bring your palms together in prayer pose and raise them upward
Hold for 5 seconds
Marjariasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
Come to all fours, hands shoulder-width apart
Inhale and lift your chest, forming an arch (Cow Pose)
Exhale and tuck your chin to your chest (Cat Pose)
Focus on spinal circulation and breath
Vrischikasana (Scorpion Pose)
Begin on forearms, hips raised
Walk your feet in, lift one leg, and kick into a forearm stand
Once stable, bend your knees and bring your feet toward your head
Arch your spine and gaze forward
Hold for 5 seconds
From its ancient roots to modern practice, yoga remains deeply connected to nature, mimicking animals, trees, and natural elements. Embracing eco-yoga isn't just about fitness; it's a compassionate, responsible way of living in alignment with the Earth.
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July 23, 2025, 16:43 IST
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