 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
"Wherever You Are, You Can Be There"
— by Connie Habash
Many of
us travel throughout the Summer. Whether it's camping for the weekend,
a drive down the coast, a visit to relatives, or flying half-way around
the world, Summer is that time when many of us think about getting away.
As much as travel is exciting, fun, and mind expanding, it can also be
challenging and exhausting. It's important to keep a little sense of ourselves
as we move around the earth - a connection to our inner being.
I usually find traveling, especially on
airplanes, a little rattling. Typically, we're not in great comfort, often
for hours at a time. It's all too easy to lose our sense of groundedness
and to feel out of place and out of balance. In fact, on this last plane
trip in July, when I got up to do some yoga, I decided to try some balancing
poses. On an airplane, I had never even considered trying to balance before
- who knows when turbulence might strike?! But I brought my other foot
up into Tree Pose, and there I was, being a tree at 35,000 feet in the
air! It was a strange idea, but I thought about finding roots, even up
above the clouds. And truthfully, the roots come from inside us as much
as outside. I accepted and allowed myself to "be" there, on
the plane, in the conditions of wobbly ground, stale air, and cramped
space, and just open to it. Accepting that I just might topple over! I
felt much more connected to myself, and more at ease. The trip was easier
and seemed shorter.
The greatest tool I have found to help myself
become more present, grounded, and tuned-within is through my breath.
I took the time to practice some pranayama, or yogic breathwork, as I
sat in the plane seat. I imagined that, instead of the recirculated air,
I was breathing in fresh energy. Slowing the breath down, watching the
inhalations and exhalations, I felt alive and relaxed. This created a
more solid experience within myself, instead of the usual scattered feeling
of rushing around the airport, trying to find space for my carry-on luggage,
and wondering about flying conditions. I could just be there and breathe.
Wherever you are this Summer or anytime
you travel, let yourself be there, while en route as well as at your new
destination. Accept the conditions - even if it's traffic, people that
try your patience, or rocks under your tent. Breathe and be within yourself.
Root into the ground beneath you, get outdoors, connect consciously to
the earth, and to the earthy feeling inside you. You can be solidly within
yourself, no matter the conditions, and feel peaceful and content. Happy
travels!
Copyright 2001-2004 by Constance L. Habash