Practising yogasana isn’t about doing the perfect pose; it’s about doing what you can with your own body and approaching its limits with both curiosity and respect.
If you’ve been around the shala lately, you have probably noticed me exercising restraint with physical adjustments. I am working through pain and a pattern of repetitive strain, so I need to do things differently. That may mean there is less physical support available than some of you expect.
Even when I am not managing pain, adjustments are a teaching tool that I prefer to use sparingly and purposefully. I aim to foster independence in yoga practitioners and I want to support you to develop your own relationship with your practice and your body, rather than relying on physical assistance.
Having said that, I am aware that sometimes I can get caught in a pattern with students, where I begin to use my body as a reliable prop, rather than a temporary support towards independence. This is a growing edge for me as a teacher, and something I am learning to notice in myself.
What does this mean for the shala? I am becoming more choiceful about offering my own body in support of another. You may notice more verbal guidance and fewer hands-on assists than before. I’ll still offer adjustments where they feel right for both of us.
My invitation to you as practitioners is to be curious about the moments you find yourself looking for physical support - what is present and what is missing? What could help you trust and support yourself? Can you explore what is possible on your own before reaching for hands-on support?
Change and evolution are natural. I want you to know that I am still here for you (and I’m here for me too). I’ll keep approaching limitations, both mine and yours, with curiosity and respect, and I look forward to our ongoing exploration together.
With Love,
Amanda