“The way we’re feeling about ourselves comes up through postures,” said Andrea Deveau after leading a crowd of more than 50 people through downward dog, child’s play, and warrior pose positions.

The one-hour, morning yoga session took place on a sunny outlook at Slocum’s River Reserve on July 13, the first free class of a summer series hosted by the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust. Deveau encouraged participants—all stretched on colorful yoga mats and many in equally colorful spandex—to let go of judgement.

“It’s about living a life more aware and more accepting of yourself,” said Deveau, who teaches at Carabiner’s Climbing and Fitness Center in New Bedford.

The summer yoga series—sponsored by Hawthorn Medical Associates—is all about promoting health and wellness, and getting people outdoors, said DNRT’s Jim Bride.

Rachelle Lemieux attends every summer, and has been doing yoga for most of her adult life. “I really like how she said ‘Do what your body needs at this given moment,’” she said, referring to Deveau’s instruction to do a modified pose, or an entirely different one, if that’s what felt right.

“Every pose offers its own challenge. That’s what makes yoga different every time,” said Lemieux.

The class is normally taught by Carabiner’s fitness director, Jeff Costa, who will be back on July 20.

“Jeff has created a good practice out here and a good community that keeps coming back,” said attendee Tracy Clarke. “Andrea [Deveau] just compliments that.”

Now in its fourth year, the program’s community continues to grow, said Bride, even though the class and setting have not changed.

“I still get nervous before classes, but this view makes me feel better,” said Deveau. Attendee Cheryl Mitchell agreed, noting the good weather and peaceful location overlooking the river.

Yoga classes start at 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday from July 13 through August 31 at the Slocum River Reserve on Horseneck Road. Extra parking can be found across the street at Sylvan Nursery. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot, and follow the red arrows.