Emily Tighe makes yoga accessible and empowering through Do Yoga Outside.

I lay on my yoga mat in Drake Park, noticing the white contrails that crisscrossed against the deep blue sky. Following Emily Tighe’s voice, I was guided through a series of restorative poses as I soaked in views of the glistening waters of Mirror Pond and the swaying trees above.

By the end of the class, I noticed a sense of rejuvenation that went beyond my weekly indoor yoga practice.

The class took place on Earth Day, co-taught by Tighe and Khyra Wilhelm of Wildland Guiding Company. It encouraged attendees to link each movement with their breath while attuning to the sounds, sights and sensations of the outdoors.

For Tighe, the class marked her first anniversary of teaching yoga.

Tighe is the sole proprietor of Do Yoga Outside, a small Bend-based business making yoga accessible by grounding the practice in nature.

When asked how the business came to fruition, Tighe said, “It all just fell into place.”

A public school teacher of five years, Tighe struggled with transitioning to the Bend-La Pine School District after working in districts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Drained by the profession, she took a mental health leave, using the time to complete a 200-hour yoga certification.

“I started healing myself, and it felt like exactly what I needed. I figured that if this feels so good to me, imagine what I could do with this if I brought it to the community,” Tighe said.

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Establishing a small business in Oregon

Tighe started sharing her journey on Instagram @doyogaoutside, where the account grew faster than she anticipated. So, Tighe delved into learning how to build a small business from the ground up, finding answers on Google. Eventually, she came across free resources that have proved invaluable.

“There are so many resources (in Oregon) for women — for small businesses — for people to get started,” she said.

Tighe was matched with Kathy Garner, who offers free business mentorship through SCORE Central Oregon. She also received a fellowship at The Haven coworking space in Bend, allowing her to take advantage of programs while staying profitable as a small business by reimburing a portion of her membership fee.

“The coolest part so far is that I have met so many people just like me doing this — people that want to be outside — people that are inspired by nature — people that inspire me to want to be out in nature even more. And it’s building that community that is just as fulfilling as starting this business,” Tighe said.

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The serenity of outdoor yoga

Tighe hosts regular outdoor practices, including free restorative yoga on Tuesday evenings in Drake Park if the weather is above 60 degrees. Donations are appreciated and updates are posted on her Instagram page.

On a monthly basis, Tighe partners with Autumn Kuenzi of Wild Wellness to host a Mom & Me series ($65). The workshop involves a group hike and craft, concluding with a 45-minute yoga practice for Moms and nature-based activities for children.

Sunday marks a special edition of the Mom & Me series in honor of Mother’s Day. Goodie bags will be provided, filled with soap and lip balms from Bend Soap Company, cookies by Kook’i, a 30-minute massage by Massage By Monica and sample-size beauty products by Serenity Spa Corner.

A scholarship fund is available for the Mom & Me series to remove financial barriers for potential participants. Tighe encourages Moms unable to afford the ticket price to fill out the online form.

Finding rejuvenation

Tighe views the ability to listen and tune into the body as a skill applicable to all facets of life.

“It’s not just in yoga where you’re going to be listening and tuning in,” she said. “It’s when you go to work, it’s during your life. Yoga is on your mat, yoga is every part of every other day.”

After founding Do Yoga Outside, Tighe is in a vastly different place than she was as a public school teacher, when she felt she had nothing left to give by the end of the workday.

“I have so much to give. I feel so alive,” she said. “My advice is to just find what makes you feel alive and keep doing more of that.”

“I have so much to give, I feel so alive. My advice is to just find what makes you feel alive and keep doing more of that.”