In a world that spent the last decade moving almost entirely indoors and behind screens, there is a quiet revolution happening. People are looking for something more than a fluorescent-lit gym or a crowded studio. They are looking for a return to the “Wild.”
At The Wild Elm, we intentionally take our practice outside the traditional four walls. Whether we are meeting in a sun-drenched park in Dickinson or gathering for a seasonal retreat on the prairie, we believe that the environment is just as important as the movement itself.
“There is something inherently inclusive about the outdoors. When we host a Community Pop-Up in a public park, the invisible barriers of “exclusivity” vanish..”Lisa KosteleckyBut why does practicing yoga in nature feel so different? The answer lies in the science of “Green Exercise” and the deep-rooted connection between our bodies and the earth.
The Science of “Green Exercise”
“Green Exercise” is a term used by researchers to describe physical activity that takes place in natural environments. Studies consistently show that moving your body outdoors provides a mental health boost that indoor exercise simply cannot replicate.
When we practice outdoors, our brains engage in “Soft Fascination.” Unlike the “Hard Focus” required to navigate traffic or respond to emails, nature provides gentle stimuli—the rustle of leaves, the shifting light, the scent of the air—that allows our prefrontal cortex to rest. This shift significantly reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts our mood almost instantly.
Finding Your “Rooted Resilience” in the Wild
In North Dakota, we understand the power of the elements. We know what it means to stand firm against a prairie wind. When you practice yoga outdoors, you aren’t just doing a workout; you are practicing resilience.
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The Elm (Stability): Balancing on a slightly uneven patch of grass requires more focus and core engagement than a flat studio floor. It forces you to find your “roots” and engage your stabilizing muscles, making you physically and mentally stronger.
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The Wild (Adaptability): Outdoors, you can’t control the temperature, the breeze, or the sound of a distant bird. This teaches you to stay centered amidst distractions—a skill that translates directly to staying calm during the “storms” of daily life.
3 Benefits of Taking Your Practice Outside
1. Vitamin D and Circadian Rhythms
Natural sunlight is the primary source of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Furthermore, exposure to natural light—especially in the morning—helps regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep and more stable energy levels throughout the day.
2. A Sensory Reawakening
In a studio, the air is recycled and the floor is synthetic. Outdoors, your senses are alive. You feel the texture of the earth, smell the fresh rain or dry grass, and see the vast North Dakota horizon. This sensory input pulls you out of your head and into the present moment, which is the very definition of mindfulness.
3. Community Without Walls
There is something inherently inclusive about the outdoors. When we host a Community Pop-Up in a public park, the invisible barriers of “exclusivity” vanish. The sky is the ceiling, and there is room for every body. It turns a yoga class into a communal breath of fresh air.
Experience the Sanctuary
While a walk in the park is a great start, there is a unique power in a facilitated outdoor experience. At The Wild Elm, we curate spaces that allow you to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one.
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Wellness & Nature Gatherings: These are our most immersive experiences. We combine slow, mindful movement with the healing power of our local landscape, offering you a few hours of pure “Sanctuary” to reflect and recharge.
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Community Pop-Ups: These events are the heartbeat of Dickinson’s outdoor wellness scene. They are adventurous, social, and designed to help you see our neighborhood through a more peaceful lens.
Nature isn’t just a backdrop for our yoga; it’s our co-teacher. It reminds us that change is constant, that growth takes time, and that we are all part of something much larger than ourselves.