This week I got to thinking about the fact that I do yoga poses everywhere I go. Whenever I feel an ache in my body, I instinctively move into a yoga pose to release the muscular tightness. I know most people would be self-conscious about doing yoga in public, but I'm pretty shameless, or maybe practical. I think about it like this... Yoga can help you make your body feel better, instantly, in some cases. So why not do it whenever the urge strikes?
I believe the more people do yoga in public, the more yoga will become commonplace, and the more people will be exposed to the benefits of yoga. That's why I don't give a second thought to taking my yoga with me wherever I go - I'm focusing my well-being and I might even inspire another person to focus on their well-being.
This week I visited my hair salon for a haircut. I sat in my stylist's chair for about half an hour, and when my hair was done my back and hips were tight from sitting still so long. So what did I do? When I went up to the counter to pay, I did a half downward facing dog while the receptionist pulled up my bill. It took 5 seconds, no one even noticed (except my hair dresser, who graciously snapped a photo for me), and I felt instantly relaxed and energized. Where's the harm in that?
I often tell my classes about how I practice yoga at the grocery store and when I'm in line at Chipotle. It's no joke!
And if I can convince my husband to keep the kids so I can do the grocery shopping by myself, the shopping trip transforms into a blissful experience with the addition of a few yoga poses.
My favorite is a half downward facing dog with my hands on the shopping cart. I do this one everywhere I go, because it's quick and easy and it helps the whole body feel better. Anyone can do it!
In line at Chipotle I once got caught in the middle of a standing hand to foot pose and I have to admit I was a little embarrassed, so now I stick to more covert poses like a little baby modified dancer's pose (shown at right) that no one will notice.
So what about you? Do you ever sneak yoga poses into your day? Or do you feel too self-conscious to try? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
AND! I've got a fun contest to inspire you to be present in your body, be conscious about how you're feeling, and move into a yoga pose whenever you might need it, even if it's in public.
Go to our Facebook page and post a photo of yourself doing a yoga pose in a public place and get entered into our drawing for a $100 gift certificate to The Yoga Room! We'll accept entries through November 15th and we'll pick the winner at random from amongst all the entries.
Go out and share the yoga! :)
Lots of love, Zelinda