With summer in full swing here in New England, without question we all long to experience as much of our days as possible in the great outdoors… With blue skies and pink sunsets as our drishtis and the breeze and birds as our perfect soundtracks, why not take advantage of summer’s natural offerings and turn your indoor practice out? From sunrise to dusk, on land and atop roofs… we’ve tracked down a host of innovative yoga classes offering just that in and around the Greater Boston area this month.
Let’s begin along the water… “Enjoy stunning views of Boston Harbor, the sun on your face, and the cool ocean breeze on your skin. There is no better way to start or end your day than an outdoor vinyasa flow at exhale battery wharf.” This claim from yoga instructor and studio manager at Exhale Battery Wharf, Caitlin Milbury. From now through September her waterfront team offers a healthy line-up of yoga on the banks of Boston Harbor. And, they go all out even installing soft tile so the ground has some give for. You can see the Exhale Battery Wharf full schedule of outdoor yoga and register for classes through their website. In addition to their group classes, the instructors at Exhale are also available for private outdoor yoga sessions. So, why sit in traffic after a long day at the office? Consider your options… delay the commute and find your bliss in the fading shimmer of a beautiful summer day.
And for some higher ground, Do Your Om Thing author and yogini Rebecca Pacheco is back this summer with her popular outdoor Tuesday and Thursday morning yoga classes. Poolside up on the roof at The Colonnade Hotel, Ms. Pacheco leads her signature flow amidst soaring views of the Back Bay. And should your schedule be such that you can linger after practice, the hotel offers class patrons discounted rooftop day passes for full use of their pool and dining services.
Heading north, In the Moment Yoga is now in its sixth summer of offering outdoor sunrise yoga classes at one of Winthrop’s most picturesque spots, Hannaford Park- a pristine green space tucked up on an ocean bluff in Winthrop’s Highlands section. In the Moment Yoga’s Founder Georgeane Tacelli Coleman ( (RYT500) believes, “There is nothing as grounding and regulating as moving in nature, breathing fresh air.” In her perch at Hannford Park she has uncovered, “sacred space where Mother Earth’s abundance is everywhere – from the fragrant shrubbery to the sounds of the surf to the breathtaking views of the Atlantic.” Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays ( weather permitting ) from June through August from 5:30- 6:30 AM, and all levels are welcome.
“What I especially love are the gifts that each new morning brings, whether its a glowing orange sun or a fogged-in “Nantucket” sky, the days differ as do the animals and the people. Some days we may be serenaded by a cardinal or a mockingbird, other days we hear screeching seagulls. Bunnies feast on the morning grass and occasionally, Milo, the neighborhood cat shows up to inspect everyone’s yoga mat. Faces include familiar local yogis, vacationing newcomers and the seasonal sunrise purists.” reports Ms. Coleman. “Welcome to the best-looking yoga studio around!” There is no set fee for these sunrise classes though donations are gratefully accepted. For latest updates including weather and class updates visit In the Moment’s Facebook page.
Image by, Kathy Fitzgerald Trainor
Further north of the city, Giving Tree Yoga & Wellness of Haverhill, a big champion of celebrating summer, is hosting an evening of slow flow and drumming on Salisbury Beach. The program will begin with a 6 PM class followed by an OmDrum Circle at 7:30 PM led by Pashawari Cohen. Pashawari, who has been playing drums since the age of twelve, started OmDrum with the intention of bringing this wonderful gift to his friends and local community. Events such as this practice on the beach offer him the perfect portal for doing so. According to Mr. Cohen, “The Drum has been a primary form of communication in Africa for millennia. Used for socialization, entertainment, dancing, and healing it also has the power to bring deep relaxation, reduce tension, to energize, heal emotional wounds, create states of euphoria, induce trance, promote play, release anger, and promote deep feelings of unity.” The suggested donation for the full evening is $10, and folks are invited to bring their own beach chairs (and drums).
Author Susan Currie is an Associate Editor at LA YOGA magazine. Her words and images have been featured in the Boston Globe, Elephant Journal, Yogi Times, the Tishman Review, the Huffington Post, Spirit of St. Bart’s and on the cover of the book Moving into Meditation (Shambala) by Anne Cushman.
Susan is also the creator of the Daily Inhale and an RYT 200 registered yoga instructor. She unpacks her various professional experiences through the creative and yoga workshops she leads throughout the country. Her new book, GRACENOTES (Shanti Arts 2017), a blend of words and images, is now available in wide release.