The Path Within: A Poem for the Mountains

The Path Within

A poem

Beneath the whispering pines,

The morning sun breathes gold upon the trail.

We walk in silence, hearts open,

Each step a prayer, each breath a tale.

The mountain hums with quiet knowing,

Stone and sky in gentle trance.

Each step meet the earth’s soft rhythm,

A moving meditation, a sacred dance.

The coast below awakens,

A shimmer of sea, a sigh of breeze.

We pause — the world expands within us,

And suddenly, all striving leaves.

Here, yoga unfolds beneath the skies,

No walls, no mirrors, only limitless space.

Our mats become the earth itself,

Our teachers — sunlight, sound, and breath.

Hands rise to greet the endless sky,

Roots sink deep through rock and soil.

Inhale peace, exhale surrender,

Let go of worry, time, and toil.

The trail to the mountains,

The forest reveals its silent song.

A melody of breath and being —

Reminding us we all belong.

We rest in stillness, bodies grounded,

The scent of pine needles and sea-salt air.

Eyes closed, we connect with the heartbeat of the earth,

And know her wisdom is always there.

When we descend, the world feels lighter,

Our steps more fluid, minds serene.

The mountain has whispered its medicine —

A truth so simple, pure, and clean.

That joy lives here — in every heartbeat,

In every view, in morning’s hue.

And all we seek through yoga’s journey,

Is already waiting, here — in you.

Join a Mijas Yoga Hike

At Asana Tribe Yoga Spain, our Mijas Yoga Hikes combine the best of hiking, yoga, and mindfulness in the stunning mountains surrounding Mijas Pueblo.

These guided hikes invite you to move with nature’s rhythm, breathe deeply, and rediscover the connection between body, mind, and earth. Whether you’re visiting the Costa del Sol or live nearby in Fuengirola, each yoga hike offers an unforgettable way to reconnect with your inner calm while exploring Spain’s natural beauty.

We welcome all levels — from beginners to experienced yogis — and provide everything you need for a morning of gentle movement, stillness, and soul nourishment.

Final Reflection

A yoga hike isn’t just a walk — it’s a pilgrimage back to yourself.In the hush of the Mijas mountains, you remember what peace feels like.And as the wind carries your breath to the sea below,You realise — the true path was always within.

Why do yoga outdoors?

Practising yoga outdoors can be a wonderful way to enhance your yoga practice and benefit your overall health and wellbeing. In this blog post, we will explore some of the many benefits of doing yoga in nature and how you can get started with your own outdoor yoga practice.

Firstly, being outdoors in nature has been shown to have numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress levels, improving mood and mental clarity, and even boosting the immune system. This makes it an ideal setting for practising yoga, as yoga itself is also known to have numerous health benefits for both the body and mind.

One of the most significant benefits of doing yoga outdoors is the opportunity to connect with nature. Being in nature allows us to feel more grounded and connected to the earth, which can help us feel more present and mindful during our yoga practice. Additionally, yoga outdoors provides a change of scenery from our usual indoor environments and can help us feel more inspired and creative in our practice.

Another benefit is the increased exposure to natural light and fresh air. Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and mental wellbeing. Being outdoors also allows us to breathe in fresh air, which can help us feel more energized and focused during our practice.

When doing yoga outdoors, we may also encounter natural elements such as uneven ground, wind, and sun exposure. These challenges can actually be beneficial to our practice, as they require us to be more present and mindful in our movements, leading to a deeper sense of embodiment and awareness.

Doing yoga outdoors also allows you to practise Earthing or Grounding, by connecting with the earth's natural electrical charge by walking barefoot on the ground, though earthing is a relatively new concept and not extensively researched, here are some of the potential benefits of earthing:

1. Reduced inflammation: Earthing has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which can help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Improved sleep: Earthing can help regulate the body's circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep and more restful nights.

3. Reduced stress and anxiety: Earthing has been shown to have calming effects on the body, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and promoting feelings of relaxation and calm.

4. Increased energy and vitality: Earthing can help improve blood flow and oxygenation, leading to increased energy and vitality.

5. Improved immune function: Earthing has been shown to enhance immune function by increasing the activity of white blood cells, which help protect the body against infections and illnesses.

6. Improved mood and mental clarity: Earthing has been shown to have mood-enhancing effects, leading to improved mental clarity, focus, and overall sense of wellbeing.

While the benefits of earthing are still being studied, it is generally considered safe and may be a simple and effective way to improve your health and wellbeing. To practice earthing, simply spend time outside in bare feet or use conductive materials that transfer the earth's energy to the body. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health practices.

Getting started with outdoor yoga is simple. All you need is a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and a quiet outdoor space. You can practice in your own garden, a local park, or even by the beach. Just be sure to choose a spot that is relatively flat and free of obstacles.

If you are new to yoga, it may be helpful to take a few indoor classes first to become familiar with the basic postures and alignment. You can then bring this knowledge with you to your outdoor practice and adapt as needed to suit the environment.

In conclusion, practising yoga outdoors is an excellent way to enhance your yoga practice and improve your overall health and wellbeing. By connecting with nature, breathing in fresh air, and challenging ourselves in new ways, we can deepen our practice and experience the many benefits of yoga in a beautiful and inspiring outdoor setting.

At Asana Tribe Yoga Spain, we organise regular hikes to the mountains around Mijas where we do yoga overlooking the sea on a marble quarry, which is a stunning backdrop for your yoga practice. You can find out more or book your hike here.

2022 Yoga Hikes!

I'm pleased to announce that this year, we have started our yoga hikes once more! With enthusiastic groups with participants from all over the world, we have hiked up to the Hermita chapel in the Sierra mountains of Mijas to enjoy yoga once more on the flat, smooth marble cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

In January, we had some stunningly clear days when you could see as far as Gibraltar and Africa in the distance. We also had two weeks of clouds that settled over the village of Mijas Pueblo and the coastline, from above the cliffs, it looked as if you were gazing across a sea of clouds.

Sometimes in the early mornings, up in the mountains of Mijas, you can see the native mountain goat grazing on the shrubs on the cliffs.

In our modern world, where we spend our days plugged into our phones and our computers, with many working remotely in the age of COVID-19, it is even more important to reconnect with nature.

Contact with nature allows us to rest and heal, the word "Yoga" in Sanscrit itself means "Unity", and in nature we can experience the connection and unity between our bodies, our breath and the external world around us, re-establishing this relationship that we have lost with nature. Outdoor practice heightens your senses and self-awareness allowing for a greater sense of connection.

Benefits of Yoga in Nature

• By conscious breathing we bring oxygen to our lungs, improving lung, heart and brain function.

• We form greater environmental consciousness, creating a relationship of love and respect for nature.

• We can create new experiences, creating new habits.

• We sharpen the practice concentration and awareness of ourselves and our environment.

• We increase our sense of proprioception (the awareness of where our body is in space).

• We learn to quiet the mind. In nature, the mind is calmer, so we can cultivate a sense of relaxation and peace.

Come and experience the benefits and beauty of yoga hikes in Mijas Pueblo, contact me at asanatribeyogaspain@gmail.com