Mindfulness in the Park: Movement, Connection, and the Magic of Deane Park

There’s a certain kind of peace that comes with practicing yoga outdoors—the feeling of grass beneath your feet, the rhythm of the breeze moving through the trees, the way the sky stretches endlessly above you. It’s grounding, freeing, and exactly why I created Mindfulness in the Park, a summer yoga series in Park Rapids.

Nestled on a peninsula along Fish Hook River, Deane Park is a hidden gem—a sanctuary for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. The soft grass, sprinkled with clovers and tiny purple flowers, welcomes bare feet to wander. Towering trees offer a cool canopy of shade, and a gentle breeze whispers through the branches. It’s the kind of place where stress melts away, and the noise of the world fades into birdsong and rustling leaves.

Sound bath in the park

A Mindfulness Space for Everyone

When I started Mindfulness in the Park, my vision was simple: to create a space where anyone—whether a seasoned yogi or a first-timer—could feel at home. Walking into a traditional yoga class can sometimes feel intimidating, but out here, there are no walls, no mirrors, no expectations. Just fresh air, open space, and a shared experience.

Each summer, I watch as people unroll their mats, take a deep breath, and allow themselves to be present.

• Some come for the movement, stretching out muscles tight from long work days or weekend adventures.

• Others come for the stillness, savoring the rare chance to simply lie in the grass and listen to the world around them.

• And many come for the community, for the opportunity to meet new people and connect with others seeking the same sense of peace.

Amidst the peaceful setting of a Deane Park, community members partake in mindful movements, collectively embracing nature and tranquility.

The Gift of Practicing Yoga Outside

There’s something incredibly special about outdoor yoga. The benefits go far beyond movement—it’s about:

• Immersing yourself in nature

• Syncing your breath with the wind

• Feeling the sun warm your skin

• Grounding your body in the earth
  

Research shows that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve focus. Add yoga and meditation, and you create a practice that nurtures both body and mind. When we step outside and move together, we tap into something ancient and instinctual—a reminder that we are part of the world, not separate from it.

Mindfulness and community spirit with yoga in the lush surroundings of the park.

More Than Just Yoga—A Community

Beyond movement and mindfulness, Mindfulness in the Park is about connection.

Summers in Minnesota are fleeting, and it’s easy to get swept up in busy schedules. But pausing to step away, breathe, and share space with others creates something meaningful.

I’ve seen:

• Strangers become friends

• Stories shared between deep breaths and gentle stretches

• People leaving class feeling lighter, seen, and part of something bigger
  

That, more than anything, is why I do this.

Join Us This Summer!

As I reflect on past seasons of Mindfulness in the Park, I feel immense gratitude—for the people who have shown up, for the land that holds us, and for the shared moments of stillness and laughter.

And I can’t wait to do it all again.

So if you’re craving a little peace, movement, and connection, consider this your invitation.

Come as you are

• Bring a friend—or make a new one here

• Step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in nature

• Let’s breathe together, move together, and soak in the beauty that surrounds us.

See you in the park.