Pokhara Nepal: Outdoor Yoga, Pranayama, and Tea Ceremony

Begin by setting the tone with soft instrumental music and inviting participants to place their mats in a circle. Offer a drop of essential oil, such as lavender or citrus, to help ground the senses. Start with a grounding exercise, seated in Sukhasana or on blankets, with eyes closed and hands on heart and belly.

Take 3 deep breaths together and listen to a guided arrival script, encouraging you to feel the earth beneath you, notice the air on your skin, and let the sounds of nature be part of your practice. Set an intention for the practice, choosing a word like "soften," "open," "root," or "release." Next, move into a pranayama and gentle warm-up session. Practice breathwork, including 3-part breath (Dirga) and alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana), followed by gentle movements like neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, seated cat-cow, side body stretches, and wrist and ankle circles.

Transition to tabletop. Continue with a slow flow vinyasa session, starting with earth connection poses like cat-cow, downward dog, and mountain pose. Move into a strength and flow sequence, repeating sun salute A, warrior I, warrior II, reverse warrior, extended side angle, plank, chaturanga, up dog, and down dog.

Add crescent lunge and standing balance poses like tree pose or warrior III. Encourage gazing at the horizon or trees for natural drishti. Finish with a ground and open phase, including wide-legged forward fold, low lunge with quad stretch, pigeon pose, seated forward fold, and supine twist.

Slow the breath and prepare for a restorative and nature awareness session. Lie in supported savasana with a bolster under the knees and a light blanket if windy. Listen to a guided meditation, imagining roots growing from your body into the soil and drawing in steadiness with every inhale and releasing effort with every exhale.

Allow at least 8–10 minutes of silence. Transition slowly to a seated circle for a mindful tea ceremony. Choose from herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or tulsi, or a local wild herbal blend.

Begin with a gratitude moment, holding the cup without drinking and reflecting on the sun, the rain, and the hands that harvested the tea. Guide participants through mindful drinking, noticing the temperature, aroma, first sip, texture, and aftertaste. Encourage silence for the first few sips.

Invite voluntary sharing, asking questions like "What shifted during your practice?" and "What word are you leaving with?" Conclude with a short affirmation, "May you carry this grounded calm into your week." End with a closing ritual, bringing hands in prayer at heart, taking one collective breath, and optionally chanting "Om." Offer enhancements like flowers for the center of the circle, a singing bowl to open and close, small journals for reflections, and encourage barefoot grounding if the terrain allows.