Sand & Sea vs Yoga Mats
We often see lovely images with beautiful yoga mats on pristine white sand beaches in the media. In reality, yoga mats don't play well with sand - sand gets stuck in the mat, and it becomes very difficult to remove. Corners of the mat also stick out as the shape doesn't readily contour to the sand. In the end, you can end up with a pretty dirty looking mat after just one practice!
Solution? Get a large towel! The towel will conform to the sand's surface, it will wash easily...and it's convenient to transport. In fact take two towels, one to practice and the other for a cooling dip afterwards.
Best Times of the Day
You will notice that most yoga classes outdoors and especially on the beach are offered around sunrise and sunset. This isn't only to take advantage of the wonderful views but it's also so that you can beat the heat and avoid the glare of the sun. P.S. these times are also great for a meditation practice.
Location, location, location
We're not only talking about finding the most beautiful beaches but in Barbados, you can find areas that are more private, with more shade and even surfaces. You might even be able to find some lovely spots under trees.
In fact, that's why you will find that many teachers offer classes at hotels and restaurants across the island; the classes are usually held on decks, gazebos or grassy areas close to or on the beach so that students can enjoy all the same benefits without the hassles.
Go with the Flow!
Yoga on the beach can often be unpredictable, not just the sand getting everywhere (and I do mean everywhere) but you are pretty much guaranteed interruptions from other people and from Mother Nature herself. This is when we truly learn how to connect with nature while detaching from anything which doesn't serve us. Some people find themselves syncing their breath and/or movement with the rhythm and flow of the ocean itself as they allow themselves to go with the flow and simply be.
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