Sunset yoga in Marciano’s square
An activity that, especially in the last few years, is practiced by more and more people is yoga: it is a real ascetic and meditative practice, a means of spiritual fulfillment and salvation, in which exercise and breathing play a central role. An important factor in the practice of yoga is the surrounding environment: in fact, it seems that doing it outdoors increases the benefits of this activity.
For this reason, also this summer, in the panoramic and evocative square of the church of Marciano, free outdoor yoga classes are held with the instructor and osteopath Antonino Minervino.
We decided to interview him to find out more:
Dr. Minervino, the type of yoga you propose is Hatha Yoga: can you explain what it is, and what does it consist of?
Hatha Yoga is a particular form of yoga; consists in dominating the cosmic energy, the one that in yoga is absorbed through the breath: the so-called “prana”. The goal is therefore to calm the mind, which especially in our Western culture is increasingly restless, through different breathing techniques. What this type of yoga does is acting not only on physical well-being but above all mental wellness. There is no need, in yoga, to have particular physical flexibility, everything that has to do with physical fitness goes into the background.
Who is it aimed at? Why should people practice yoga?
It is a practical activity for everyone, even, as I said, for those who do not have great flexibility or physical agility. Yoga is ideal for those who carry out very heavy physical or mental work, to keep themselves more relaxed; it aims at an improvement of the person, of the self: you aim to become a better version of yourself.
You are also an osteopath: what is the correlation between these two professions?
When I work as an osteopath, I try to understand what is not working in the patient’s body; then, I try to put back in place the structures that are hindering physical well-being. So the body can develop again those intrinsic mechanisms of self-healing. There is a problem, and I aim to solve it.
However, what is important is that the body must be kept in a state of wellness for a lifetime, through physical activities such as yoga, rather than intervening in the body whenever a problem appears. When stimulated during life with physical activity, the body is better off, making it less likely that physical problems will arise or recur.
The lessons will be held outdoors, in the panoramic square of the church of Marciano: how important is the surrounding environment in order to obtain as many benefits as possible?
It is very stimulating at a mental level in an outdoor environment: clearly, it is not fundamental, in fact, most yoga classes, especially in winter, are held indoors. But when you are in contact with nature and especially with its sounds (such as the noise of the sea, and the chirping of birds), the level of relaxation increases. They add something extra to the practice that is clearly difficult to achieve indoors. Practicing yoga outdoors creates a real connection with the surrounding environment.
Ready for an experience of total relaxation surrounded by nature? Lessons will be held for free, find out more on our website!
Dr. Antonino Minervino
Osteopath and yoga instructor. He attended a yoga course in Bali, Indonesia, recognized Yoga Alliance.
https://osteopataminervino.it/
