Dear Honest Men and Bonnie Lassies,
Misty waves lapped over fields surrounding Brno Airport the other day where muj tchan (Czech: my father-in-law) dropped me off and the bewildered airport workers exchanged glances having probably just unlocked and opened the doors. Muj tchan (je nejlepลกi muลพ (Czech: is a top man)) and is extremely cautious to ensure ample time for travel in case a tsunami or other improbable disaster may delay one making an appointment.
With this generous gift of time and as the airport isnae a big biggin (Scots: is not a big building), I found a small piece of grass at the side of the biggin to do a short yoga routine in the magical morning low-hanging sun, surrounded by the mist gently caressing Mother Earth. My limbs hummed, cracked and popped in delight, being, breathing, grateful for life.
More travellers were dropped off, glancing over for doubletakes like I was glitch in the matrix. As I neared completion, the serenity was somewhat disrupted by the invisible invasive tendrils of second-hand smoke stealthily slinking around the corner.
Cue noggin engagement ๐ค: why not have a small yoga room in airports (or transit buildings) worldwide?
Apparently some exist in larger airports already (Ambuja Yoga), but incorporating these principles into the fabric of public transit building projects would be prime. At the outset, framing them as general guidelines could ensure designers and facility management teams are encouraged, at least at first, to consider contemplating wellness spaces and eventually, integration may become normalised.
Please gieโs a wee (Scots: please provide us with a small) room filled with soft floor or mats, perhaps a poster of basic poses (and chakra descriptions), and some simple, respectful rules in terminals โ no need for extravagance. It could even serve as a safe space for bairns (Scots: children) to bounce around, doubling the utilisations and health benefits.
Over time, it may well be customary - almost expected - that our grandchildren would be traversing the globe with the assurance these sanctuaries of space are commonplace. This evolving norm would not only contribute to keeping them supple ((anโaw they ither (Scots slang: and all those other)) yoga health benefits (Healthline)), but also enrich their travel experiences, provide offline havens for health, facilitating connections (with themselves, the cosmos and others), the pursuit of longevity and well-being.
Smokers are designated areas to pollute their bodies and bystanders, while health enthusiasts (or just people that want to stretch in a bit of peace) are lucky if they find a wee patch of semi-suitable grass outside and are blessed by favourable weather. The proposed yoga havens could strike a balance, promoting well-being for all airport dwellers or folk in transit.
Health facts reveal that yoga can enhance travel experiences. It improves circulation, reduces stress, combats the stiffness induced by hours of sitting and likely helps alleviate jet lag. On the flip side, it is well-known now that smoking can be a ticket to health issues and have adverse effects on those nearby.
May those seeking a better life for themselves and posterity be a catalyst for positive change in this domain and others. Until it is realised, if we are allocating space for poisonous clouds of smoke, perhaps we may ponder too creating spaces that uplift spirits and our bodies.
So, whether you are a yogi, just in transit, think๐ค โstretching makes me feel goodโ (Stretch.com) or a bouncing child, can we please reimagine our spaces together? Inhale good vibes and exhale the unnecessary stress and embrace lifestyles that intertwines well-being with our journey through life.
After all, one sun salutation is plopping a pebble in a pond - a wee deliberate ripple of magic. Yet, crafting a continuous flow of health and vitality, transforming every step into a mindful dance together could be a tidal wave of celebration - a quality party of harmonious and energetic existence.
Siubhal gu math (Scots Gaelic: travel well) and namaste ๐
Love