Yoga Anywhere, Anytime
Yoga is stretching. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement; however, it is so much more! I am sure that there are oodles of blogs, books, videos and presentations on this subject, but I would like to share my own personal experiences.
These are in no particular order, other than how they came to mind.
Camping: while striving to stay active by swimming, hiking and chopping wood, it is easy to become lethargic and stiff because of lots of sitting, drinking and sleeping on the ground. So, before the campfire started on the second night, when conversation and excitement levels were low, I stood and did a yoga routine that had medium to low ground contact.
Rock on other side of woods: hiking is one of my favourite things to do. But if I am by myself, it can sometimes be overwhelming due to anxiety. When I feel a sudden sort of urge to cry or tightness in my throat, I realize it’s time to re-focus. I remember exploring a forest and when I came out the other side, I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go. I decided to go up. I climbed a rock and it was tough… high enough that if I fell, it would certainly cause bruises (or possibly bone breaks). At the top, I sat and saw the sun setting which I couldn’t see from below because of the trees. Then I performed some balancing yoga poses and when I was done, I discovered the path that sloped back to my starting point.
Rock by the River: While exploring a new city, without any new friends (yet), I needed to keep reminding myself that I was making the right decisions for that particular point in time. Before this point, I had only practiced my yoga routine in the confines of my living room. So, while walking around and crossing over the Ottawa River, I found a flat rock on the water’s edge. I took off my shoes and pulled the coolness and texture from this perfect spot up through my entire body. I had great balance because the alternative would have been to fall in the water.
Skiing: And in another new city, I was looking for ways to meet new friends and joined a group called the “Yikers”. The name was derived from Hikers who do Yoga. But one particularly fun event was snowshoeing and cross country skiing in Rockwood (I chose the latter). So at the half-way point, we stopped to do some breathing and stretching. It was so funny when performing warrior-1 and my front ski started to slide forward.
Bathtub: once I came to the understanding that yoga is stretching, I started to activate my muscles and balance in the tub. I have a clawfoot so it’s easy to stretch arms and legs beyond the edges. But what I love most of all is after I push myself beyond comfort, and then release into relaxation, it is a deep acknowledging of the tension that was being trapped.
Hotel gym: I recently took a road trip to Detroit with a colleague. We got to know each other and got along just fine. However, being in a conference/workshops all day and participating in networking activities during the evening, then being in the same hotel room, I felt the need to be alone in order to rejuvenate. So, I discovered that going to the fitness centre early in the morning allowed for the perfect get away. After cardio and weights, I stood in front of the mirror while practicing yoga and felt a true oneness with myself, even though other patrons were also present.
Guest room: typically when I visit family, it’s just for dinner, drinks and a sleep-over. However, sometimes I am asked to “babysit”. And of course, I am honoured; but if it’s for young children, they go to bed early. Or, if for teenagers, they say hello then scatter to their rooms. Yoga in the guest room or on the back deck are my ways of staying entertained (and then I usually just end up watching Grey’s Anatomy).
Other places include:
- In office on a 15 min break
- On pier (by the ocean)
- Nourished Woman (yoga retreat)
- Outside at a farm
- Lunchtime at work in photo studio
- Grass at the park
- Climbing boxes in a storage garage
- Bicycle: grab the seat and twist
- Canoe: use paddle to overhead stretch
- Orange picking: reach high and wide
- Spelunking: explore caves on belly
- Carrying groceries
Afterwards (from all of the above-mentioned activities), I felt peaceful, energized, healthy, strong and ready for my next challenge.