Zeer - Travel yoga : stretches for planes, trains, automobiles, and more!

TRAVEL YOGA

STRETCHES FOR PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES, AND MORE!

by Darrin Zeer
illustrations by Frank Montagna

CHOOSE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED.

Neck and shoulders tight?

Lower back ache?

Legs stiff?

Whole body sore?

Stressed and overwhelmed?

Physically exhausted?

Want some deep relaxation?

Frustrating delays?

Need a little inspiration?

Feeling disorganized?

Travel Yoga is your perfect guide to a stress-free journey.

Whether your trip is for business or pleasure, practicing yoga is your ultimate relaxation tool. Dont worryyou wont need to stretch your body like a pretzel, and you dont need any prior yoga experience to receive benefits. In fact, the tighter and tenser you are, the more this book is meant for you. You can practice these easy and relaxing exercises whether youre sitting in a cramped airplane seat, waiting in a long line, resting in your hotel room, or jet-setting around the globewherever and whenever you might need a little calm.

Before we start, its important to understand a bit about yoga. Yoga is a practical path to inner peace and wisdom that originated in India over five thousand years ago. It consists of hundreds of stretching exercises that create health and well-being. And because travel requires so much waiting and waiting and waiting, youll have plenty of time to practice these stretches, no matter how overwhelmed you feel.

So lets get started! This guide is organized into five parts: Packing Peace of Mind, Arrival and Departure Patience, Stretching in Planes, Trains, Boats, and Automobiles, Relaxation in Your Home Away from Home, and Yoga Around the Globe. All together, this little handbook offers over sixty quick and easy techniques to combat stress throughout your trip. So go ahead: flip through the pages and dive in. If you have a specific ache or pain, turn to the Quick Help Guide on page 7. And if you cant take the book with you on your travels, be sure to pull out the card at the back and toss it into your bag for instant relief.

Youve now booked your ticket to the ultimate peaceful travel adventure.

Happy travels!

Be patientmaster the art of waiting.

Be friendly to your fellow travelers; kindness has many rewards.

Find pleasure in your travel experience; it will make any bumps along the way more tolerable.

Practice stretching and relaxation exercises throughout your journey; they will transform your trip.

Take things one step at a time. When stressed, simply take a deep, relaxing breath for instant peace of mind.

Imagine standing in the middle of a busy airport terminal and feeling completely at ease. Its possible! With the help of yoga, you can teach yourself to stay calm, no matter how stressful your surroundings are.

The enlightened travelers first reaction to all stressful situations is No problem. I am calm. When a challenge that seems to have no solution arises, the enlightened traveler thinks, No problem. I am calm. Because the enlightened traveler stays calm in all situations, she or he finds it easier to solve problems and let wonderful experiences unfold.

Remember that travel is more fulfilling when you manage your stress level. You can spend your travel time in either worry or wisdom. Think about this the next time youre in line or delayed. If you feel anxious, a state of calm is just a stretch and a deep breath away. Make a commitment here and now that peace of mind will be your highest priority throughout your trip.

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor.

Anonymous

Getting ready for your trip need not be stressful! The secret is to start a few days before your departure. Whenever you think of an item youll need, toss it into your suitcase, or at least add it to your packing list. Its also fun to invite a friend to help you brainstorm what you need to bring and even to help you fold and pack your stuff. For a complete packing reminder list and for special Travel Yoga items, please refer to page 94 at the back of the book. Use a backpack as your carry-on, so that both of your arms can be free to practice Travel Yoga without any strain.

On a long journey even a straw weighs heavy.

Spanish proverb

No one likes to come home to a mess. So whether youre leaving for the day or for a month, give your abode a once-over. Make the bed, water the plants, clear the clutter, andmost importantwash the dishes! Think of this as a special gift to yourself, an inviting way to return home.

Lugging baggage can be a painliterally. And long flights, car rides, and train trips can stiffen up your body. So indulge in this soothing stretch series to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

Your hands should be directly beneath your shoulders and your knees directly beneath your hips.

Inhale as you slowly raise your head and arch your lower back downward. Point your tailbone to the ceiling.

Exhale as you slowly drop your head and arch your lower back upward.

Repeat five to ten times or as many as time allows.