168: Yoga & the Natural World: Community Conversations with Emily Long

Most of us instinctively understand that we feel better when we spend time in nature. But our relationship to the natural world is perhaps even more powerful than we appreciate.

On today’s episode, host Rachel is joined by Emily Long—licensed clinical social worker, certified nature-informed therapist, and yoga teacher. Emily shares research on the therapeutic benefits of building a more mindful relationship with nature, whether that means spending time outdoors, inviting natural elements indoors, even simply viewing nature through a window. Emily also reminds us how nature is deeply embedded in the yoga tradition.

From stress reduction and improved cognitive function to increased resilience and emotional regulation, this conversation highlights the many ways reconnecting with nature can support our well-being, and how our practice could be the perfect time and place to do so.

“What we care for cares for us.” — Emily Long

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“Nature builds our distress tolerance and our resilience.” — Emily Long

Show Notes:

• How yoga already reflects our connection to nature [3:08]
• Stereotypes can discourage people from developing a relationship with nature [9:19]
• Research: nature and our health [12:56]
• “Softly fascinating stimuli” and the nervous system [16:12]
• Reaping the benefits whether we enjoy nature or not [20:40]
• Nature encourages social and community connection [23:44]
• Practical ways to invite nature into indoor spaces [26:35]
• Taking opportunities to go outside [29:02]
• Natural imagery, honoring seasonal rhythms [30:59]
• Ahimsa, reciprocity, and caring for the environment [37:33]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Relevant Research:
  • Soga, M., & Gaston, K. J. (2025). Health benefits of viewing nature through windows: A meta-analysis. Bioscience, 75(8), 628–636. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf089
  • Stevenson, M. P., Schilhab, T., & Bentsen, P. (2018). Attention Restoration Theory II: a systematic review to clarify attention processes affected by exposure to natural environments. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part B, Critical reviews, 21(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/10937404.2018.1505571
  • Bettmann, J. E., Speelman, E., Blumenthal, E., Couch, S., & McArthur, T. (2024). How Does Nature Exposure Affect Adults With Symptoms of Mental Illness? A Meta-Analysis. International journal of mental health nursing, 33(6), 1889–1907. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13400
  • Ulrich R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science (New York, N.Y.), 224(4647), 420–421. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402
• Connect with Emily Long:

Instagram | Yoga With Emily | Emily Long LCSW

“We are intrinsically fundamentally a part of nature whether we think about it or not.” — Rachel Land