SOME OF THE BEST PLACES TO PRACTICE YOGA ARE OUT WEST
in Sedona, Arizona, Mount Charleston near Las Vegas, and Glacier National Park in Montana. These incredible, sunbaked landscapes take you somewhere deep—and yoga is a great way to take your journey one step further. So, if you’re living the nomad life out West, take advantage of your opportunity and explore a little yoga. Here are a few easy tips to try it out for the first time.
Embrace Mindfulness
It’s not always easy to find your place of mindfulness on the road. You need to fully unplug from electronics and social media to “Be Here Now,” as Ram Dass says. This is when zero cell reception is finally your friend! To begin, stop somewhere remote and just sit. See what thoughts and feelings arise. We are so used to constant stimulation that when you unplug, the real stuff surfaces. That’s when you will learn a lot about yourself. In this state, try to see and acknowledge the blessings in your life.
Try Some Beginner Positions
Tadasana (aka Mountain Pose)
Stand tall with your feet about hip-width apart, and arms by your side with energy in the fingers. Roll shoulders down and back. Ground down into your feet and connect with the Earth. The crown of your head should energetically pull up towards the sky as your feet root down creating this sense of strength and length in the body. If you feel your butt sticking out, tuck your tailbone slightly, and draw your belly button towards the spine for alignment.
Balasana (aka Child’s Pose)
From a tabletop position on your hands and knees, bring the knees wide and let the toes touch. Your hips will lower down towards your feet and your arms should stretch forward. Rest your forehead on your mat and allow your exhales to relax your body deeper into the pose.
Savasana (aka Corpse Pose)
Lie on your back and relax both your mind and body. I know, I know… lying on your back may not seem very effective. Savasana is one of the simplest, yet most challenging postures in yoga. I always suggest allowing the legs and the arms to go where they please, as long as you’re able to find stillness. Your mind may race, and you may even get frustrated, and that’s okay. The goal is to observe your thoughts and feelings, acknowledge them, and then send them on their way.
