Yoga Practice Interrupted: Travel’s Impact and the Search for a ‘doban’
Published: [current Date]
For dedicated yoga practitioners, even short trips can disrupt carefully cultivated routines. Lengthy travel,especially across time zones,can significantly impact advanced practice. One yogi found this firsthand after a recent journey, highlighting the challenges of maintaining momentum and the importance of a supportive practice partner.
The Struggles of Maintaining Routine While Traveling
A recent 9-day trip to Korea proved disruptive to an established yoga routine. Upon returning to the United States, resuming a full intermediate series proved challenging. After a two-week interruption, advanced poses such as Kapotasana were challenging, and drop backs/come-ups were avoided to prevent injury. It may take weeks to regain previous form.
Finding Inspiration and Guidance at AYC
While the regular instructor at the University of Virginia was away, practice continued at Ashtanga Yoga Charlottesville (AYC). There, a young woman named Danielle, who assists while the regular teachers are traveling, impressed with her advanced abilities. She proficiently performs the intermediate series, including the challenging Karandavasana up to the third stage.
The Meaning of a ‘Doban’: A Practice Companion
Danielle’s assistance style was reminiscent of Keigo Yamaguchi, a teacher at the Ashtanga Yoga Kyoto studio. After a yoga session, a conversation revealed that Danielle has been practicing yoga for eight years. The yogi sees Danielle as a potential “doban” – a practice partner who can provide support and inspiration. The current doban is leaving this summer and even though there is another yogi with a similar level, someone with a higher level of skill would be welcome. An invitation was extended for her to attend a class at the University of Virginia’s Ashtanga yoga group.
The Value of Community in Yoga
While a skilled teacher is essential,a supportive community is equally important. Over the years, several practice partners have come and gone. The hope is that Danielle will become a long-term ‘doban,’ enriching the yoga journey for years to come.
**Q: Besides a supportive practice partner, what othre strategies can yogis use to maintain their practice while traveling?**
Yoga Practice Interrupted: Travel’s Impact and the Search for a ‘doban’
Published: October 26, 2023
For dedicated yoga practitioners, even short trips can disrupt carefully cultivated routines. Lengthy travel,especially across time zones,can significantly impact advanced practice. One yogi found this firsthand after a recent journey,highlighting the challenges of maintaining momentum and the importance of a supportive practice partner.
The Struggles of Maintaining Routine While Traveling
A recent 9-day trip to Korea proved disruptive to an established yoga routine. Upon returning to the United States,resuming a full intermediate series proved challenging. After a two-week interruption,advanced poses such as Kapotasana were challenging,and drop backs/come-ups were avoided to prevent injury. It may take weeks to regain previous form.
Finding Inspiration and Guidance at AYC
While the regular instructor at the University of Virginia was away, practice continued at Ashtanga Yoga Charlottesville (AYC). There, a young woman named Danielle, who assists while the regular teachers are traveling, impressed with her advanced abilities. she proficiently performs the intermediate series, including the challenging Karandavasana up to the third stage.
The Meaning of a ‘Doban’: A Practice Companion
Danielle’s assistance style was reminiscent of Keigo Yamaguchi, a teacher at the Ashtanga Yoga kyoto studio. After a yoga session, a conversation revealed that Danielle has been practicing yoga for eight years. The yogi sees Danielle as a potential “doban” – a practice partner who can provide support and inspiration. the current doban is leaving this summer and even though there is another yogi with a similar level, someone with a higher level of skill would be welcome. An invitation was extended for her to attend a class at the University of Virginia’s Ashtanga yoga group.
The Value of Community in Yoga
While a skilled teacher is essential,a supportive community is equally important. Over the years, several practice partners have come and gone. The hope is that Danielle will become a long-term ‘doban,’ enriching the yoga journey for years to come.
Yoga and Travel FAQs
Q: How does travel affect a yoga practice?
A: Travel, especially across time zones, can disrupt routines, making it challenging to maintain consistency. This can lead to a loss of progress and difficulty resuming advanced poses.
Q: What is a “doban” in yoga, and why is it important?
A: A “doban” is a practice partner who provides support, motivation, and inspiration. having a doban can help maintain momentum,especially when facing disruptions like travel or changes in instructors. The term is derived from Japanese, reflecting the influence of Ashtanga Yoga Kyoto studio.
Q: What are some tips for maintaining a yoga practice while traveling?
A: Pack a yoga mat and travel-sized essentials.Seek out local studios or online classes. Even short practices are better than none. Try to maintain your routine as much as possible, adjusting for time differences and available space. Consider shorter sequences or modifications to poses if space is limited.
Q: What is Ashtanga Yoga?
A: Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of poses. It focuses on linking breath with movement (vinyasa) and building internal heat. The sequence will often include a primary series, intermediate series, and advanced series. It is a grate way to build strength and focus.
The article highlights the importance of community and the search for a ‘doban’ to overcome travel-related disruptions. Consider the value of a practice partner to enhance your own yoga journey. You may find that community can definitely help overcome the obstacles of travel and lead to a more fulfilling practice.
