Everything You Need to Know About Bringing Your Yoga Practice on Vacation!
Written by: Steve Sampson, RYT-500, ERYT-200
The summer is in full swing, and hopefully you’ll have a chance to enjoy some down-time and take a vacation! Whether you’re traveling or planning to stay more local, there are some great ways to enjoy your yoga practice even when you’re out of your normal daily routine.
What Is A Yoga Practice Anyway?
My favorite translation of the Yoga Sutras (a foundational text of yoga philosophy) defines practice simply as being “effort towards steadiness of mind.” So while we all have particular classes or techniques that are a part of our regular practice, vacation can be an opportunity to approach steadiness of mind from a different perspective. At the very least, don’t let trying to fit some yoga into your itinerary become a source of stress! But if there is room in your schedule, here are some tips for incorporating practice into your vacation.
Your Asana Practice on Vacation
Looking to get in some physical practice on your vacation? If you are traveling, the local yoga scene can be an opportunity to try out a different style of yoga that isn’t offered in your local community. Or maybe it’s a chance to experience your usual style of practice through the unique voice that each different teacher brings to the mat.
If you have a regular vacation spot, you may already know what’s available in that area. But if you’re headed someplace new, the internet is your friend! Most teachers and studios have a website and/or social media presence to share their schedule, and help you get a feel for their vibe. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your regular instructor for suggestions. Many of us have contacts at other yoga studios that we’ve met during trainings or in our own travels, we’d be happy to make a referral!
Whether you are trying out a new spot, or going back to your usual vacation studio, be sure to reach out to the studio to understand their current COVID safety protocols, such as whether advance registration is needed, whether you must bring your own mat/props, or whether masks are required in the location.
And look for special opportunities to get in a little practice in lieu of a class. Staying near the beach? How about a few sun salutations on the sand while the morning sun crests the ocean horizon! Have a layover waiting for a flight? Some airports now offer yoga rooms, where you can stretch out, meditate, or otherwise get centered before resuming your travels.
Relaxing at home for your vacation, instead of traveling? Staying local can give you an opportunity to try out classes that you usually couldn’t attend because they conflict with your work schedule. And if you’ve had the chance to sleep in all week, maybe you’d like to join me early on a Saturday morning for yin yoga at 7:30 am, I’d love to see you there!!
Meditation & Mindfulness While On Vacation
Perhaps your vacation is finding you with friends and family, with new sights and sounds, a different routine…and without your usual quiet space for spending time on your meditation cushion. Meditation and mindfulness practices can take a variety of forms, but what many of these practices have in common is an intent to help you experience life more fully, whatever life may bring. And fully experiencing your vacation sounds like time well spent!
An approach to mindfulness that you might want to try out on vacation is to notice all of the new or novel sights, sounds, aromas, etc., around you. Harvard professor Dr. Ellen Langer describes mindfulness as being “the process of actively noticing new things.” What better way to fully engage in your vacation than to really experience everything. That might be the feel of the sand under your feet and the scent of an ocean breeze as you walk the beach, the vibrant colors of artwork at a museum, the tastes of a family member’s secret recipe, or even the sounds of a traffic jam.
Whether your vacation has you at a favorite destination, hosting out-of-town guests, or relaxing in your favorite recliner, allow yourself to experience each moment with a sense of curiosity, making memories as you notice all the wonders around you.
Expanding Your Mind On Vacation
Maybe you’d like to take a break from your usual practice routine, and relax on the beach or your patio with a good book. Study and reflection are themselves paths of practice, and there are lots of great reads out there to help deepen your exploration of the history, philosophy, and broader practices of yoga. Already have some selections waiting on your nightstand? Great! But if not, check out this recent article featuring recommendations from several of Serenity’s teachers. There’s bound to be some that peak your interest!
Whether your vacation yoga practice finds you becoming one with the universe or a chocolate ice cream cone, we hope you have a relaxing summer break, and we’ll see you for class at Serenity when you’re back!
Steve Sampson has been teaching since 2014, and is best known for exploring the physical, energetic, and philosophical practices of yoga with an emphasis on pursuing functional health and holistic wellness.
You can join Steve for practice at Serenity every Wednesday night (Yoga Basics, 6:00 to 7:00 pm) and Saturday morning (Yin Yoga, 7:30 to 8:30 am).
Head over to Steve’s Site to learn more!