Members of Maureen Murphy’s yoga class out of Yellow Dog Studio in North Sydney look forward to the days when they can meet to practice yoga on the beach. ContributedArticle contentFor the ladies who take part in classes at Yellow Dog studio in North Sydney, there is no better way to start the day than practicing the ancient art of yoga at Indian Beach.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentWhile summer may have come to an end, yoga enthusiasts need not despair – warmer weather will continue for several weeks to come and so will outdoor classes.Article contentArticle contentMaureen Murphy is a highly respected yoga instructor and practices out of the popular studio. She said she expects several more nice days in early fall and plans to take full advantage of them.Article content“After teaching yoga for many years indoors, I thought it would be nice to breathe in the sights and sounds of nature as we practice our yoga outdoors. Since then, we have been stilling the mind and quieting the body to the sound of the water well into the fall season at Indian beach.Article content“We have had many days this summer when we could meet at the beach and engage in class. Many of my students expressed to me how much they like to be outdoors. They say it really adds to the experience.”Article content From left, Brenda McNeil, instructor Maureen Murphy and Margarite Weatherbea enjoy yoga on the beach in North Sydney. ContributedArticle contentEYE ON THE WEATHERArticle contentThere are only a few slight adjustments that must be made in terms of movement and yoga poses when practiced outdoors as opposed to indoors. The one thing that must be taken into consideration is unexpected changes in the weather.Article contentArticle content“I try to keep a close eye on the forecast before letting the class know if I will be holding class outdoors. Since it is only an hour-long session, there is little chance that anything unexpected can happen weatherwise,” Murphy explains.Article contentArticle content“We have many times in the past enjoyed yoga at the beach in the early weeks of fall. The ladies come prepared, dressing in layers in the event that the temperature changes while in class. They have their yoga mats as a protective layer between them and the ground.”Article contentThose taking part in the class say it is very easy to make the transition from the studio to the softer surface of the grass. Since the practice is centered around spiritual discipline that aims to engage the body, mind and soul through controlled breathing, specific body postures and simple meditation, little is required in terms of the transfer of equipment.
SHERRY MULLEY MACDONALD: Stilling the mind and quieting the body
