Airports With Yoga Rooms: Air Travel Doesn’t Have To Be Terrible

Autumn Adams

Unfortunately, for most of us, to get to awesome destinations whether it’s for work, play or a yoga retreat it involves us getting in a plane, navigating airport terminals, losing sleep, watching our legs swell to out of this world proportions, but it doesn’t all have to be terrible. Pack your travel mat (or borrow one- just wipe it down first) and get your asana on at one of these on point yoga rooms.

Yoga rooms at domestic and international airport yoga rooms are popping up all over the place. The first airport yoga room sprouted up at SFO in 2012. It’s not just large international airports that have added airport yoga rooms, some of the smaller airports like Burlington Vermont have hopped on this trend too… and I love it. Check out this list of airports that totally understand our love of yoga.

Domestic and International Airport Yoga Rooms

Burlington, Vermont Yoga Room 

The airport in Burlington, Vermont is my favorite. It’s peaceful and serene and it also feels like a yoga studio. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, a local yoga studio, had there hand in the planning and design of the space and it’s lovely. The space includes mats and meditation cushions. If you work up a sweat there is a shower in the family restroom across the way. Woohoo. You get to practice and freshen up in the same place… granted you’re probably not going to be having a layover in Burlington, but you never know. Second floor; hours: 4 a.m.-10 p.m.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Yoga Room

Chicago O’Hare is a popular layover stop and we are so thankful it has a beautiful yoga room with bamboo floors, a mirror (for you alignment junkies), soft lighting and music. You’ll find a handful of mats available, earth toned walls, natural diffuse lighting and a video monitor playing a yoga practice. Just outside of the room there is also a screen with departure and arrival info… no need to stress unless you’ve fallen asleep in savasana. Mezzanine Level of Terminal 3 near the Urban Garden; hours 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Chicago Midway Yoga Room

Chicago Midway also has a yoga room. The Midway room has similar tones, soft music, asana practices on a screen, and a wall of mirrors. There are also plenty of yoga mats, space to store your belongings and a bench to sit on if you’d like a seated meditation. Floors are made out of bamboo just like the Chicago O’Hare Yoga Room. Throw down a yoga mat, stretch it out or put in your headphones and enjoy a meditation or yoga nidra recording. Concourse C; hours 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

San Francisco International Airport Yoga Room

San Francisco is the leader of the pack and was the first airport to build a yoga room… now they have not one, but two rooms dedicated to yoga. The SFO airport yoga rooms are open 24 hours a day, which is wonderful if you have one of those weird overnight layovers. Drop-in, do a few sun salutations, a couple of back, hip and shoulder stretches, then throw your legs up the wall. Before you know it you’ll be about to board your plane. Terminal 2 near boarding area D and Terminal 3 near gate 69; hours: 24 hours

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas Fort-Worth has almost completely taken the plunge into yoga land, but not quite. They more-or-less have areas set up with mats available with semi privacy. What could be better: mat cleaner, dimmer lights, and privacy. Still it’s better than nothing. Between terminal B and D; hours: 24 hours.

Sioux Falls Airport Yoga Room

Sioux Falls, a surprising addition to the airport yoga scene is trying out the trend. They have sectioned off an area near the business center for yoga with a decent amount of privacy. They also provide mats and a poster with posture suggestions. I hope this one sticks around. Near the business terminal; 24 hours.

Helsinki International Airport Yoga

Helsinki International Airport has experimented with yoga classes in their Kainuu multi-use lounge. I’m not sure if they plan on doing a permanent yoga space or not. I wish they would. I would LOVE to go to a yoga class instead of wandering the terminals on a layover. I love the idea, so hopefully they keep it. I’ve heard that mats are available in the Kainuu lounge, but don’t take my word for it.

London Gatwick International Airport Yoga Room

London Gatwick has joined the trend now too. Open yoga practice space with mats and a 20 minute class playing on loop with Instagram sensation Shona Vertue. Move your body, reduce stress, reduce swelling, improve circulation with a few minutes of asana in this light filled space. Southern terminal; hours: unknown.

Frankfurt International Airport Yoga Rooms

During Frankfurt International Airports big renovation they added two yoga rooms! This summer (2016) they are even offering classes taught by local instructors from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on certain days. Another airport that totally gets it! Way to go Frankfurt! Terminal 1 near gates C14 and C16 and Terminal 2 near gates D1 to D4; hours: 24 hours.

Hong Kong and London Heathrow

Hong Kong and London Heathrow also have airport yoga rooms… the catch? You must pay for them. The yoga rooms at these two airports are controlled by Skyteam. And I have never paid for access to the Skyteam Lounge, so I can’t tell you much about them other than that they do exist.

Did I miss any airports? Let me know. I’d love to see this list continue to grow.

Safe travels yogis!

Love and Light,

Autumn

Autumn Adams
Follow me
Latest posts by Autumn Adams (see all)

What Are The Koshas?

Autumn Adams

The pancha maya koshas are the five sheaths of human existence according to Vedantic philosophy and the ancient Tantric Yoga text the Taittiriya Upanishad. You can think of the five koshas as layers of an onion and at its center is Atman, the true self. Working our way through the layers we begin with the gross (physical body) then move through the subtle body toward the self.

pancha-maya-koshas-infographic

The five koshas are:

1. Annamaya kosha (the physical body)
2. Pranamaya kosha (the energy or vital body)
3. Manomaya kosha (the mental body)
4. Vijnanamaya kosha (the wisdom body)
5. Anandamaya kosha (the bliss body)

Unlike the layers of an onion that can be completely peeled away from one another the koshas are intertwined, inseparable with each kosha influencing the state of the others. We will begin our exploration of the koshas with Annamaya Kosha, the food/physical body, and continue from there to Anandamaya kosha, the bliss body. We can look at these sheaths, improve our awareness and explore our inner landscape as we begin to answer life’s big questions like, “Who am I?” or “What is the meaning of life?” We also work with the sheaths in yoga nidra, working through the layers methodically and patiently in hopes that we will one day be fully aware of our true self.

Annamaya Kosha (the physical body or food body)

yoga-class-outside

The physical body is just that, physical. It’s made by the food and water we consume. When we are not in tune with our physical body, annamaya kosha, we may experience a sense of being ungrounded or unstable, we may lack appropriate proprioception and bump into things. Also, when we are not clued into our body and the needs of our body we may not be aware of how the food we are consuming is effecting our body and therefore every other aspect of our lives (remember all of the koshas are intertwined).

When we are attuned to our physical body we may experience a sense of balance and ease. Because our body is functioning more smoothly, it’s happier (and therefore not a distraction) so we can begin to focus on the other koshas. The physical body or the Annamaya kosha is the realm of the unconscious mind.

A simple exercise that you can practice to begin bringing more awareness to annamaya kosha is to find a comfortable seat or perhaps lie down on your yoga mat and bring one hand to your chest. Bring all of your awareness to the hand on the chest, becoming aware of your heart beat in the chest and in the hand. Be aware of where the hand meets the chest and become aware of any sensation that arises, the sensation of touch, heat, movement, etc. As you begin to feel more comfortable with this exercise you can begin to shift your awareness to other parts of your body. For example, your feet meeting the Earth, your liver, stomach, lungs, mouth/jaw and the muscles of your back. Be specific and stay with it for at least three to five minutes. Feel free to journal about your experience afterward.

Pranamaya Kosha (the energetic body or vital body)

main

Each of us has an energetic signature and it is contained within the pranamaya kosha, our energetic body. Pranamaya kosha is the vital force (prana, energy) that animates our physical body, annamaya kosha. We consume prana via our breath, the food we eat and the sun. This life force is carried throughout the body via channels called nadis (the most important nadis being sushumna, ida and pingala) and controlled via the chakras (energy centers). When we work with pranamaya kosha and the prana vayus we affect all seven chakras. The pranamaya kosha is the realm of the subconscious mind.

To work with pranamaya kosha begin to incorporate more pranayama (breathing exercises), bandhas (energetic locks), and pratyahara (sense withdrawal) into your practice. Practicing these methods will teach you how to increase prana and channel prana through the body. As you begin to work with prana you may notice heat, a sense of calm, a vibration, or many other sensations. Experience each sensation fully. Once you feel connected to the pranamaya kosha you may desire to work deeper into the koshas.

Manomaya Kosha (the mental body)

quiet-contemplation

Manomaya Kosha, the mental body, creates meaning out of the world around us. It is the portion of our being where thinking, daydreaming and fantasizing reside. It is also where the beliefs, emotions and opinions from our culture and community reside. It is the repository for our unconscious mind. This kosha guides our emotional responses and is also home to the jnanendriyas (organs of knowledge, ie. our sense organs). Manomaya kosha is also the home of Ahamkara, the ego.

Manomaya kosha is the abode of our samskaras. Samskaras are the grooves of our mind, they are set paths and they are created by repetitive thought patterns. “I’m worthy/not worthy.” “I’m too fat/skinny.” “I choose love/fear.” These are thought patterns that occur often without us even acknowledging them. These samskaras color and shape all of our experiences.

A wonderful exercise to begin to work with these thought patterns and change your samskaras is one that Byron Katie teaches. Byron says to ask ourselves, “What would I be without this thought?” This is an excellent opportunity for self reflection, growth and journaling. I encourage you to keep a journal or small notepad with you at all times, so you can really see how often you experience these thought patterns. This is where big change can happen. This is the realm of the conscious mind.

Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Body)

Meditating with Mala Beads

Vijnanamaya kosha is the home of Buddhi, higher knowledge, intellect, intuition, judgement and discrimination. Ahamkara appears in vijnanamaya kosha, but as a higher knowledge of self. Our human qualities like gentleness, serenity, humility, non-attachment and bliss are also apparent in Vijnanamaya kosha. Vijnanamaya kosha is the realm of the superconscious mind. To reach Buddhi and Vijnanamaya kosha a regular meditation practice is recommended. A regular meditation practice allows one to cultivate the power and knowledge gained by being the witness and the observer.

Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body)

journaling

Anandamaya kosha is the innermost of the koshas and therefore the closest to Atman. The bliss in anandamaya kosha, is more than just an emotional state. Ananda (bliss) is peace, joy and love achieved through contact with the Atman (ultimate consciousness) and is a direct experience of the divine. By not identifying with the lower koshas we gain access to the higher koshas of vijnanamaya and anandamaya, where we may eventually move into that bliss state.

Interested in working with your koshas more? Join me for an upcoming Yoga Nidra class or on retreat where we will have the opportunity to practice yoga nidra multiple times.

Love and Light,

Autumn

Autumn Adams
Follow me
Latest posts by Autumn Adams (see all)

5 Signs You Need a Yoga Retreat

Guest Blogger

22

Okay, we get it. Sometimes we lose sight of our yoga practice… it gets boring or life and work take us away from our practice. Here are 5 signs you need a yoga retreat.

1. You’re bored

You might need a yoga retreat if you are you doing the same things over and over again? When you’re on autopilot you lose your passion and zest for life. You may feel comfortable in your routine but are you happy and fulfilled? Going on a yoga retreat can give you a fresh perspective and reignite your passion for life! You’ll be able to take a step back from your daily reality and find what truly fulfills you.

2. You’re stressed

You might need a yoga retreat if you are using phrases like, “I’m too busy” or “I’m running out of time.” Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and wired all at the same time! These feelings stem from stress and anxiety. 90 percent of all doctor visits are related to stress and can cause and/or contribute to SO many different health problems. Yoga is therapeutic and allows your body to relax. And since your body is only able to heal when it’s relaxed, a yoga retreat is the perfect way to restore, not only your physical health, but your mental health as well.

3. You need a technology detox

You may need a yoga retreat if you are so attached to your phone that it feels like another body part. How much time do you actually spend scrolling through Instagram or Facebook? While it’s nice to have communication and information at our fingertips, too much technology can be overwhelming and stressful. Going on a yoga retreat allows you to turn your phone off and connect with yourself, nature and have meaningful conversations with others.

4. You want to meet new yoga friends

Yoga retreats are a perfect way to meet like-minded people who share your same love for yoga. You’ll meet people from all over the world with some of the same interests as you. Maybe you’ll even find a yoga buddy who’ll accompany you on your next retreat!

5. You want to deepen your yoga practice

You may need a yoga retreat if you’d like to deepen your yoga practice. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been practicing yoga, a retreat is a great way to deepen your practice. Weather you’ve been practicing for 20 days or 20 years, you’ll be able to gently explore the limits of your body and expand your mind. On our retreats, you’ll practice yoga twice daily which will increase your strength and flexibility, while helping you invite more gratitude into your life.

Are you experiencing any of these signs? If you are, it’s definitely time to book a yoga retreat. Join one of our upcoming retreats.

Click here to learn more and book today!

Favorite Podcasts for Traveling Yogis

Autumn Adams

I’ve been traveling for years, but I’ve only recently begun to embrace podcasts. I now use podcasts when I fly, on long bus journeys, when I’m stuck in the car, and on nights when I cook dinner by myself. The podcasts I listen to definitely lean toward yoga, meditation, ayurveda, wellbeing, travel and adventure with a little entrepreneurialism thrown in for good measure…. are you surprised? As a globe-trotting yogi they’re saving my sanity. The following is a list of my favorites so far. Like I said… I haven’t been doing the podcast thing for very long, so if you have any recommendations send them my way. Here’s the list of my favorites.

Top 3 Yoga & Wellness Podcasts

Susanne Moscovitch of Yoga Crush

Susanne Moscovitch of Yoga Crush

1. Yoga Crush 

Suzanne Moscovitch’s podcast might be my favorite. Yoga Crush is definitely a podcast for yoga teachers, not just any yoga teachers, but those that want a thriving career teaching yoga. When I begin to start down the “self doubt” path (hey, I’m not perfect) this is the podcast I turn to. I like that she keeps it real, she’s been there too. She has been a hustling yoga teacher hopping around from studio to studio, so she gets it. Her guests all have thriving yoga careers… you’ll find honest stories and the occasional tip or trick to stay your path and thrive.

2. Yoga & Beyond

I love the educational and science based podcasts facilitated by Ariana Rabinovitch. Ariana interviews yoga and movement professionals about all sorts of topics… mostly about better movement. She has interviews with professionals like Tom Myers and Katy Bowman. I’m a fiend for anatomy and movement. I love it! And I can totally geek out on the anatomy part of my asana practice.

3. On Being

On Being is the opposite end of the spectrum… you’ll find beautiful podcasts with spiritual thinkers discussing big quesions like “What does it mean to be human, and how do we want to live?” Krista Tippett explores “these questions in their richness and complexity in 21st-century lives and endeavors. We pursue wisdom and moral imagination as much as knowledge; we esteem nuance and poetry as much as fact.”

Here is a link to one of my favorites with Seane Corn

My favorite Podcasts can be found on the following apps : Stitcher, Itunes, and Podcast Addict (among others).

What are you listening to?

Love and Light,

Autumn

Autumn Adams
Follow me
Latest posts by Autumn Adams (see all)

Turmeric in everything, please!

Kelsey Bushong

As a young girl, my mother dated a man from Pakistan. With this relationship came a really awesome point in my life, food wise. This was when I discovered my absolute favorite thing to use in my kitchen; turmeric.

Processed with VSCO with f2 preset My mother made potatoes doused in it and the glass dish would be covered with neon yellow oil while they cooked. The intense color blew my little mind. Along with the taste.

So, 20 years later I am still using it in everything that I can think of. Sweet or savory, you can find it a place.

The health benefits of turmeric are widely regarded in Ayurveda and many remedies call for this nifty little gem of a root. Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and it’s ability to heal those stomach issues that ail you, turmeric should become your new BFF.

Here are some delicious ways I utilize turmeric in my cooking:

Turmeric Hummus

My children will demolish an entire container of this in a day. It usually never even makes it into the fridge. This recipe is ridiculously easy and not to mention, SO YUMMY.

  • 2 cans of chickpeas; drained & rinsed.Processed with VSCO with f2 preset
  • 1 clove of garlic (or more if you like it intense)
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Approximately 1/2 cup of tahini
  • Turmeric (the amount is up to you. I add maybe 1 1/2 tablespoons and will add more if I feel it needs it)
  • Sea salt (to taste. I would start with 1 tsp and adjust)
  • 1 cup avocado oil (add more to adjust thickness. avocado oil is my preferred choice since it’s mild, but olive oil is traditional)

*Throw ingredients into your blender and turn it in. It’s really that easy. Adjust your salt and oil and then dig in with fresh veggies or crackers. I also love a big dollop on top of a salad.

Carrot-Orange-Turmeric Juice

You’ll need a juicer for this, or else you can use a powerful blender such as a ninja or vitamix and then strain it.

  • Carrots (I buy a big bag of organic juicing carrots. I will usually use about half of a 5lb bag for this juice. And save the pulp! It goes great in muffins.)
  • Turmeric root (If you can’t obtain fresh turmeric, feel free to use powder in an amount that suits you. Fresh turmeric is intense so I usually use about a 1 1/2 inch piece)unnamed-4
  • Ginger Root (I like it ginger-y! Feel free to use as much as you like.)
  • Orange Juice (I buy organic fresh squeezed oj and use about 2 cups or more depending.)

*Juice all of your ingredients and either chill in the fridge for a few hours or serve over ice!

 

 

 

Golden Mylk

This is one of my favorite treats before bed time. On days when I make fresh almond or cashew mylk, this is most definitely a must.

  • Milk alternative (Avoid milk substitutes that contain the icky ingredient carrageenan gum. Califa Farms almond milk is a great choice and can be found in the refrigerated section of whole foods and the like. Otherwise, soak some almonds or cashews and make your own!)
  • Vanilla extract (Or vanilla bean)
  • Maple syrup
  • Turmeric
  • Black pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Cardamon

*This “recipe” is really up to your own taste. I’ve simply listed what I use in my golden mylk and then I think it’s up to you to see what your preferences are for the spices. Heat up in a saucepan and then enjoy warm.

unnamed-3

 

There are so many delicious ways to use turmeric – curries, ice cream, golden mylk, hummus…the options are endless!

Kelsey Bushong
Latest posts by Kelsey Bushong (see all)