Yoga Props for Sailing

Yoga Props for Sailing

One of my favorite authors is Stephen King. He is a master of horror and his craft: writing. I enjoy his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

In it, he tells a story about going with his grandfather to fix a window. His Gramps gathers a huge toolbox filled with wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and many other items. Once all packed, they trudge to the shed, where his Gramps uses only one tool from the box.

When he asked the old fella why they had to drag everything out there, he was told: “It’s best to have your tools with you. If you don’t, you’ll find something you didn’t expect and get discouraged.”

It’s a good lesson that applies to yoga as well.

In today’s post, I wanted to share:

* Why do you need yoga props–the tools of the trade?

* Essential yoga props.

* And great prop substitutions for the traveler or tiny space dweller.

So, let’s dive in.

My life has always been nomadic: in the country, on a train, in a 19-foot Skoolie named Bubba, a Kenworth T680 semi-truck, and now on a sailboat named, Gypsea Explorer.

Every item I own doubles up its purpose, including yoga props.

Why Do You Need Yoga Props?

Yoga props are fantastic. Like a wrench to a mechanic, they are essential tools:

* They provide extra support as you grow into various poses, learning about those poses and the unique rhythm that is you.

* They allow you to practice poses while your body safely builds strength, balance, and flexibility.

* They allow veteran yogis to deepen their practice.

* They bring the earth closer, enhancing safety and stability.

Yoga Mat:

A yoga mat serves many purposes, primarily keeping you from slipping and sliding and assisting in holding poses during practice.

As a traveler, I love plopping my mat down and claiming my personal practice space, a place that communicates that it is sacred and private.

Also, your personal space has a special meaning if you travel and stay in hotels or hostels.

Of course, if you don’t have a mat, you can use a beach towel, woven blanket, grassy lawn, grippy socks, or a bath mat. If you find yourself in nature like me, you can use Mother Earth herself, connecting to the dirt, sand, and leaves.

I LOVE having a yoga mat. It helps me create a sacred ground, center, meditation, and practice space.

There are many yoga mats on the market, and I have my personal favorites, including the space-saving folding mat. It is a 10 “x 12” square that easily fits into a carry-on bag or folds up like a blanket and is available on Amazon for less than $20.00. Check it out here: Travel Yoga Mat

Yoga Straps:

A strap provides support, addresses tight areas, and gives the most incredible and enjoyable stretch. I believe in the yoga strap. They are small, easy to store, and less than $10.00 on Amazon. But if you find yourself somewhere sans strap, do not despair–you can easily use a necktie, scarf, belt, or towel off the hotel rack.

Yoga Blocks:

I love yoga blocks, but they are the most impractical, space-sucking item in a tiny living or travel situation. They are foam blocks of nothingness–but their benefits are too many to pass up?.

The number one benefit is that blocks bring the ground closer to you. A block creates length if you are in a specific pose, gaining flexibility or stretching.

The block allows you to go deeper into a pose, avoid injury, and build confidence as you ‘master your domain.’ (That is a Seinfeld reference because I am a Seinfeld trivia geek?—?Try Me!)

For me, traveling and living in a tiny space, carrying blocks of foam, is impractical?—?enter those Stephen King novels I mentioned earlier.

Yes, a stack of books, a dictionary, roll up that foldable yoga mat, firm pillows–you know, the ones in the Oyo Hotels, couch cushions, paint cans, a box of laundry detergent, an Amazon box, or the Gideons Bible…you get the idea.

Blocks are essential but easily created from household, garage, or hotel items. Truth is, I have pink blocks and use them as bookends or to hold breakable things in place when we are underway. Mine are $10.00 on Amazon.

Meditation Cushion:

I love my Inflatable Meditation Cushion. Is it a luxury? Yes, but for me, it is a necessity.

Yoga began as a meditation practice. Poses, Asanas, and fitness were not incorporated until much later. Yoga is about learning to be still; meditation is integral to that stillness. I splurged on a cushion.

They are beautiful, I can take them outside, and when not in use, they are pillows on our settee.

How I Came to Meditation:

When I was 18, I attended USF, University of San Francisco, a private Jesuit school and a contender of higher education by any measure. I lived in Phelan Hall, now renamed Burl A. Toler Hall, a much less politically incorrect name. But when I attended, there was a wing called The French Annex, filled with beret-wearing French-speaking, cigarette-smoking folk direct from France.

At the time, their unhygienic manners elicited a need for their wing. In that Annex, I met Bertrand, who changed my life. I nicknamed Bertie, and I loved Bertie. I spent every waking moment I could in his aura. Ultimately, he dragged me across the bridge to that bohemian outpost of Berley, California, to see a speaker. That speaker was Eknath Easwaran, who is credited with introducing meditation to the West. That night changed my life–and to this day, I credit Bertie.

Don’t let the lack of props stop you from doing yoga, whether you are traveling, living in a tiny space, or on a sailboat.

I always like to remind myself that exercising—or doing yoga—is not a chore or task. I tell myself that it’s time to become more flexible and mobile.

Thank you for reading.

And if this post inspired you, sign up for my Zen on Deck Newsletter below:

Each Thursday, I send a short, 3-Bullet Point note to our tribe, sharing:

1. An easy, powerful yoga pose.
2. A motivational book, quote, or tool that I LOVE.
3. A travel inspiration.

Until next time—Stay Bendy!

5 Songs Inspired by This Experience!

“Follow the Sun”—-Xavier Rudd

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond”—— Pink Floyd

“Supernatural”—–Santana

Twin Peaks Soundtrack

“Drive”— The Cars

And, if this tickles your propellor, grab Amazon Prime Music Here–FREE!