Dear Yoga Friends,

How is yoga connected to volcanic landscapes, fjords, sulfur mud pools, and sheep? Before you blurt out the obvious answer, I'll share with you that I'm nearing the end of an inspiring couple of weeks in New Zealand. Here's a link to hundreds of photos (just kidding :) What I'd really like to share are some pragmatic aspects of yoga on the road, based on what often works for me.

For yoga practice, traveling presents both challenges and rewards. Small spaces, uneven floors, lack of familiar props, changes in time zone, daily schedule, diet, etc. can all throw a monkey wrench into things. But on the other hand, traveling offers opportunities for creativity in practice, and to explore how yoga helps us cope with the physical, mental, and emotional demands that life inevitably serves up. This comes up for me every time I travel.

I usually bring a yoga mat with me. I have a thin one that rolls up compactly and works well for travel. When traveling light, I don't bring other props and find things to use in the spaces I end up in. I look for floorspace that accommodates my mat and no more. It might be in the corner of a room or at the foot of a bed. If there are low or angled ceilings, I work around or with the shape of the room. If there are walls next to my mat I use them. Photos below offer some examples.

Inversions are a key part of my travel yoga practice. I find even short inversions rejuvenating. Without blankets, Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) can be tricky to set up, but I can get a reasonable effect by performing the pose off the edge of a bed. This video shows that sarvangasana variation and how I get in and out. A practice need not include many poses—it could be a single asana that provides an energizing or restorative effect.

I would also like to reshare these thoughts on "Yoga, Travel, and Emotional Stability" from 15 years ago, written after a family Baja trip, which got me thinking about the importance of yoga on the road, and on the road of life.

Very much welcome your thoughts and feedback, whether from home or some far-flung place!

Namaste,

Chad

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* Weekly classes: 12:15-1:15pm Tuesdays (mixed level, online) & noon-1:30pm Thursdays (intermediate, in-person) at the Noe Valley Ministry