The Yoga of Flying

Flights can be tough. But with a bit of thought, they can be made to go more smoothly. Consider the following to stay cool on your flight:

Think before you fly
To make life easier, think about your flight before you leave. What do you choose to eat? If a meal is served and you want vegetarian tell the flight company and reconfirm it 24 hours before you fly. Or take along a bag of fruit and nuts. What kind of seat do you prefer? The front is quieter and you get off sooner. Also, know when your emotional rope starts to fray. If a tight layover makes you nervous, don't accept one of less than an hour and a half.

Travel light
The Indian holy man Sai Baba tells his students: "travel light, arrive quickly." Pack only what you'll need. Remember greedlessness, too, in those ubiquitous airport shops. Many airports have become shopping malls with metal detectors. Anything you buy there is sure to cost more than the same item elsewhere-if you'd buy it elsewhere at all. Ask yourself before you acquire that souvenir, Do I want to pay for this, lug it, repack it, and take care of it when I get home? If not, pass.

Austerity
You'll feel better on a short flight if you just drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic liquids.

Non-harming
Try to do the most good and the least harm possible. Opportunities for this abound when you fly. Start with kindness to "invisible people" – from telephone ticket agents (it's not their fault you just spent seven minutes being routed through a maze of voice-mail menus) to baggage handlers (they're not power lifters; think of them when you pack).

Look for ways to show consideration to the people you meet as well. Counter agents hear complaints all day. Can you offer a compliment? On the plane, there may be someone who wants to trade seats, or parents of a crying baby who could use a supportive smile. Help out if you can.

Use your time
Plane travel can be boring – or it can be an opportunity to develop your practice. If the book you've brought isn't that interesting then try some breathing exercises. These will wake you up and make you more relaxed. Or do the meditation you didn't have time for before you leave. Those hours spent in the air don't have to be dull – they also offer the possibility to develop and grow.