Archive for November, 2014

HAVE YOGA WILL TRAVEL

Sunday, November 30th, 2014

While traveling I never worry about keeping my normal routine.  I find new routines that fit the freedom that I enjoy while keeping in the rhythm of spontaneity.

When away, I usually walk a lot so my first thought is how to keep my upper body strong while keeping my hips and legs open.

I‘ll give you my recipe to stay  consistent in your practice.

I decided to start with a timed five minute down dog.  The first day wasn’t easy.  I think I was able to hold it for four minutes but it only took a couple of days till 5 minutes became the norm.  This achieves such great benefits in one pose for 5 minutes (or the timing of your choice).  It strengthens arms and legs.  Releases shoulders and neck.  Stretches everything.  Any abdominal discomfort can often times be helped by Downward Facing Dog.

From there I did Chaturanga Dandasana (low push up) and slowly moved through upward dog, following up with timed tree pose and standing poses. In the eve I would do floor poses and hip openers.

What I love about the space of having no agenda or fixed plans I can take these poses and feel and see their evolution.

At the time I was working with an injury so at the start of my trip I had limitations that I thought were the new normal.  At the finish of the 2 weeks, my body slowly began to yield as the resistance melted away and poses began to come back with some ease.  Sometimes being on vacation without a schedule is when I am more consistent doing yoga.  I have the time without the distractions of my responsibilities.

This is just one option that I enjoyed. My point is find what you love and what you know your body is asking from you.

Just recently one of my students returned from a whirlwind 10 day trip through Israel.  She was back swirling from jet lag as she mentioned she didn’t have any yoga while away.  I responded, ‘you always have yoga’  Which is true and what a beautiful thing to do yoga in Israel.  Sand, sea, or desert… what a beautiful way to merge with your new environment. So no matter where you are, how much space you have, or time you want to spend, Yoga is the comfort of an old friend who you visit every morning and evening while being away from home.