Yoga is for Every Body
I can’t do that pose? I don’t look like that when I try that pose. I’ll never be able to do that pose! Have you ever heard or thought this? You are not alone.
Yoga is not a one size fits all. We don’t have to look, bend, and move in the same way as someone else.
It’s not about being able to touch your head to your knee or get yourself into some crazy pretzel position.
Yoga is about finding balance and unity in yourself and your life: body, mind, and soul.
You shouldn’t make your body fit the pose but fit the pose to your unique body.
Don’t worry about how you think the pose should look. Instead focus on how your body reacts to the pose. Notice if it doesn’t feel right, or there is any kind of tension or pain and adjust yourself accordingly. You are the expert at your body, so listen to what it has to say to you.
If it says, “Hey yeah. Totally go for that wheel pose, or side crow.” That’s awesome! But if your body starts talking and saying, “Hey time to back it up a little. Let’s try a variation today.” Then please listen.
Variations are wonderful and give us the opportunity to try poses in a different way to find what suits us best. There are days when my back is talking a little loud so I know I need to try something different. On those days I tend to stay away from strong vinyasa flows and will move more towards a slower paced yin or restorative sequence.
Don’t be afraid to grab props in a class.
They are there for you to use and I want you to feel comfortable doing what you know is good for your body. Props help us in many ways. They help to take out the intensity of the posture and make the poses accessible and safe. A bolster gives support, a strap helps extend our reach, and blocks bring the floor to you so you don’t have to go so deep.
Remember, in yoga it’s not about bending over to touch your toes or getting into a crazy pretzel position.
Yoga is about listening to your body to find a practice that best serves you.
Yoga is not about touching your toes. It is what you learn on the way down – Jigar Gor
Here are just a few examples of how you can utilize props during your practice:
- Use a block under your bum in yogi squat or in easy seated pose
- Use a blanket or bolster under knees in savasana
- Use a blanket under knees or between knees in supine twists
- Use a strap across ball of foot in seated forward fold to be able to reach and extend more
- Use a block under your hand(s) for standing poses such as forward fold or revolved triangle
Here’s a quick video to walk you through ways to use props
Need a little time to de-stress and relieve anxiety? Here’s a slow 30 minute practice
https://youtu.be/As46GoW7Ie8
Looking for ways to de-stress and incorporate self-care into your daily life? Click here for a free workbook on developing and implementing a self-care plan.