Summertime may bring a change of schedule for many of us. Some of us live by the school schedule, a lot of us travel, while others have visitors or different variations to our routines. When we are used to attending a regularly scheduled class and think of our yoga practice in terms of class time only, these alterations to our regime have potential to interrupt our practice. If you have to be away or are truly unable to attend your class, remember that physically all you need to practice is your body and the earth beneath you.
To sustain an uninterrupted practice while away from your class, try the following. First of all, dedicate some time and space to it. You might set a minimum amount of time as a goal and not allow anything to intervene. Find a place with little distractions and room enough to move your body in.
When you come to your space, begin with quietness. Be still and listen to what your body is in need of. A long flight or car ride and trying new things on vacation will certainly put demands on the body that require undoing. Next, find out what you could use emotionally and mentally. Traveling and being out of your normal rhythm in other ways can be stressful.
After you realize your needs, begin to move in ways that your body is calling for. You don’t have to remember the sun salutation or any particular postures. Explore movements that create openness, length and strength and do it with full awareness. Keep your health in the forefront of your mind
It is important to recall the rewards of your yoga practice as they provide so much incentive to keep it alive. Not only do you receive mental, emotional and physical health from it, but everybody you come in contact with or even think about benefits from your practice.
Remember that it is much easier to keep a fire going than it is to start a new one. Make every effort to maintain a regular practice. When you’re traveling, find local classes to attend or do your own thing right where you are. When you’re back in town, return to your class every chance you can. There is so much to be gleaned by being guided by your teacher and the support attained in the group energy of the class.
With the exception of the week of July 3 – 10, when Harmony is closed, your classes at Yoga in Harmony will be here for you this summer. Set an intention to keep up your yoga practice through this time of potential challenge to it.
