If you’ve always been curious about yoga, the first thing you should know is that there are many different forms. There is also a long list of training techniques, some of which are more effective for certain forms of yoga. There is so much to learn that some people think it’s best to travel abroad to gain knowledge. Does traveling make sense for you?
Scott Moore is an internationally known Yoga Nidra expert and yoga teacher . He has studied and taught yoga all over the world. While he admits that it is possible to learn and practice yoga without ever leaving your hometown, he also says that traveling abroad has its benefits.
Below are four great reasons to take your yoga classes with you when you travel. If you love to travel and want to learn as much about yoga as possible, you may want to get things in order here at home and start planning the yoga trip of a lifetime.
1. Immersive learning opportunities
The practice of yoga in the broader sense is an Eastern practice. Here in the U.S., yoga teachers do their best to create an environment that is conducive to their teaching. That’s fine, but there’s nothing like going back to the source.
Traveling abroad to study yoga offers a wealth of intensive learning opportunities with some of the best yogis in the world. Additionally, immersing yourself in a new environment and culture can help eliminate the distractions of what’s happening here at home.
2. Personal growth through culture
Self-knowledge and growth are key components in any form of yoga. But sometimes growth is inhibited by the limitations of culture. Think about your own cultural experiences here at home. If you feel limited, traveling abroad could:
- Get to know different yoga traditions and teaching styles.
- Connect with a global community of yoga practitioners.
- Encourage them to explore new and different cultural perspectives.
- Build confidence in your ability to adapt to new cultures.
It’s amazing how many of us are limited in our thinking by the culture we live in. Simply by engaging with other cultures, personal growth happens naturally.
3. A more focused goal
While it’s easy to get distracted when traveling, leaving home can make it easier to focus on the goal of learning everything you can about yoga. Once the initial wanderlust wears off, you can focus on learning new techniques and practices. You can start exploring different forms of yoga and how they might benefit you. If you stay at home, such opportunities may be limited due to the many commitments.
4. Suitability for travel
If you weren’t traveling abroad to learn yoga, would you still travel? Most of us enjoy paid vacations that we use to explore new places. From a practical perspective, it makes a lot of sense to combine travel with the natural desire to learn yoga.
There are all-inclusive yoga packages that cover meals, training, accommodation, etc. Instead of investing in a vacation exploring the mountains or lying on the beach, spend the same amount to learn yoga in an exotic location. It just makes sense.
It goes without saying that you can learn yoga at home. But you can also learn it abroad. If you are considering yoga and wondering how you can incorporate it into your life in a unique way, consider traveling abroad for your training. Learning yoga in a faraway place could prove to be the best travel decision you ever make.