Icelanders, known for their longevity, happiness, and well-being, are among the world’s healthiest people. Clean and unpolluted air, one of the earth’s cleanest water sources, and fresh fish and vegetables have long contributed a healthy diet and lifestyle to the people of Iceland. This is the secret of the island country’s overall well-being. Yoga and Meditation in Iceland is part of their health program.
Yoga and Meditation in Iceland
The popular Yoga and Meditation in Iceland that can be experienced as a visitor are:
Yoga in and with nature
Iceland is a paradise for anyone who treads the yogic road because of its ever-present proximity to nature. When surrounded by mountains and majestic landscapes, it is much easier to fill one’s mind with calm and tranquility than it is in the midst of a buzzing city’s roaring havoc.
Your prana is rejuvenated and filled by breathing in the clean and fresh air. Prana, is every yogi’s life force. Taking a walk in Iceland while breathing in and out will fill you with enlightenment and inner peace.
Many guided tours are also in demand, including yoga lessons with a professional nature teacher, often paired with hiking and visits to natural baths.
Water Yoga
The rich water supply of Iceland not only provides its nation with the cleanest drinking water on the planet, it also is one of the planet’s most significant sources of geothermal energy. The ample access to this important resource has resulted in the development throughout the country of a number of great swimming pools.
In Icelandic culture, pools and public baths play an important role. They are community centers where people from all walks of life meet friends or talk with total strangers, relax after a long day’s work, or rejuvenate after an excessive night of indulgence.
Floating
The Floating Hood was introduced for an aqua-meditation contraption that was designed by Unnur Valdís Kristjánssdóttir when she was an Icelandic University of Arts student. This was a new contribution that has been made to Iceland’s aqua-yoga scene.
The designer was eager to focus her work on the vibrant swimming culture of Iceland, and ultimately, her study led her to discover the tremendous effects of floating on the health and spiritual well-being of people.
Among Icelandic aqua-yoga enthusiasts, the Floating Hood has become increasingly popular; to the point of frequent floater meet-ups in the Seltjarnarneslaug swimming pool.
Another choice is to try the Hydra Flot Spa near Hlemmur bus station in downtown Reykjavík. In a private float pod, which has sometimes been compared to ‘sensory deprivation’ tanks, anyone looking for a total relaxation experience can spend 60 minutes and unwind in the humid Epsom salt-filled waters.
Yoga on the beach
Beach yoga and gong ceremonies are performed daily on the man-made beach of Nauthólsvík, just outside central Reykjavík. A fall in the ice-cold North Atlantic Ocean, where natural hydrotherapy is at its highest is accompanied by these activities.
Swimming in the cold sea is an excellent way to stimulate the glandular system and provide the body with the requisite minerals. It is necessary to relax and rejuvenate in the nearby hot tub afterwards and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea.
Pop-up Yoga
Pop-up Yoga is a movement started by Helga Ólafsdóttir and Lilja Haraldsdóttir, two Icelandic yoga teachers, who shared the vision of making Yoga open to the public. They turned the Iceland capital, Reykjavík into a vibrant city of spiritual fulfillment and happiness.
In traditional locations such as public parks and unorthodox venues such as in the middle of Laugavegur, Iceland’s main shopping street, Pop-up Yoga sessions are held. Additionally, there are a many Reykjavík yoga studios to be found for the same.
Conclusion
You need not leave your good habits at home when vacationing in Iceland. Just make sure to pack your yoga mattress, swimsuit, and hiking boots before you make your way down the Icelandic yogi’s long and winding path. Yoga and Meditation in Iceland is bound to give you an experience of Iceland’s peace and serenity.
