Like any group, there are all kinds of yogis. While we don’t all like the same things, there do seem to be certain things yogis enjoy. Of course, we all love yoga (though we don’t all like the same yoga style).
My yoga friends and teachers have introduced me to some new experiences over the years. I’m truly grateful for those experiences, so I’ve made a short list of things yogis enjoy, Of course this list won’t resonate with everyone. Just as there are some activities yogis enjoy that are not for me, these may not all be for you. But if you’re looking for new experiences to complement your yoga lifestyle practice, here are six ideas.
- Join a yoga book club. When I returned to yoga almost a decade ago, I joined a book club at a local studio. We still meet on a regular basis. We’ve read dozens of books about yoga and related topics. Many local studios have book clubs, so if you to read, find out if there’s a yoga book club near you. If not, just check out sites like Good Reads for great yoga book ideas and form your own group!
- Learn about essential oils. Another one of the things yogis enjoy, at least in my experience, is the world of essential oils and aromatherapy. In fact, I’ve been to some awesome workshops that combine yoga and aromatherapy. If you’ve yet to learn about this amazing gift from nature, find a workshop on essential oils or take a course online.
- Take a hike. Yoga and nature are perfect together, so why not organize a hike with your yogi friends? You can even stop to do some yoga poses along the way!
- Visit a farm animal sanctuary. Many yogis are vegetarians, so animal rights and animal welfare tend to be important issues to us. A few years ago, a studio in my area organized a trip to a farm animal sanctuary in Upstate New York. It was a truly an eye-opener, not to mention a fun afternoon. If you you want to know more about the real lives of farm animals, visit some in person at a sanctuary near you.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter. I also know many yogis who have pets and volunteer at local animal shelters. I even know a yoga teacher whose dog attends her classes and has been known to help out with “adjustments”! Yoga studios often hold fundraisers for animals, so if you’re an animal-loving yogi, keep your eye out for such an event. If you can’t find one, offer to organize one at a studio where you practice (and find some friends to help).
- Explore Ayurveda. Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, is fascinating! Many yoga studios offer workshops and classes where you can study this ancient wisdom. You’ll learn more about your body and mind by understanding your unique constitution (there are three types—vata, pitta, and kapha—according to Ayurveda). Ayurveda offers many practices and techniques to help you tune your unique energy to the seasons and time of day. You can also take Ayurvedic cooking classes and learn to make amazing dishes with Indian spices!
Have you experienced any of these things as a result of your yoga practice? Do you have other suggestions for fellow yogis? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
