Flow and Go

​Summer is in full swing, and so is vacation season.  It’s a perfect time to slow down and sip iced tea while watching the sun fade into the horizon.  But what happens to your yoga practice when you’re away?
 
Vacations and yoga are similar in their ability to evoke deep relaxation.  Both encourage us to slow down and pay attention to the present moment whether that’s on a yoga mat or licking peach ice cream before it drips on your hands. Slowing down rejuvenates the mind and the body.
 
Yoga is a way of life. We practice poses and breathwork on the mat, but the real challenge is utilizing this knowledge off the mat and in your daily life.  In a Sun Salutation sequence, we connect our breath to each pose as we move.  It teaches us to lead with our breath not our mind.  Taking a deep breath gives you time and space before reacting based on stressed emotions.
 
Here are a few times on integrating yoga during vacation time:
 

• Get up early(or at least on one day).  Grab a cup of warm lemon water and sip while watching the sunrise. Breathe and feel grateful for this day.
• Be playful.  Play miniature golf, splash in the waves or build a sand castle. 
• Go with the flow.  We all have expectations of how a vacation should go.  Let go of those expectations when things do not go your way.  Sometimes the best moments happen when we don’t plan them.
• Get inspired.  Sit outside, stroll through a garden or museum and let your creative juices flow.  Take along your camera or journal and capture what you feel.
• Give yourself some love.  Schedule a spa day or massage.  Take a yoga class or simply read a book under an umbrella on the beach.
• Take a walk or move.  Yep, you knew this would be on my list, but honestly, moving feels so good, and it makes space for your next meal.  Bring your yoga mat and pick a few favorite poses to do.  You can also download a few sequencesfrom Limber Llama’s website. 
• Go to bed.  After sunset, begin to wind down and allow your body to get the rest it so deserves.  

 
Yoga is more than its physical appearance.  Our bodies may move and sway into various shapes, but the real magic is happening on the inside.  We are creating ways to be more in touch with ourselves and those around us.  
 
Now go and make some summer memories.