Yoga Is For Everybody

Funny Comic From Dan Gibson via Bored.com

On days where I'm not feeling well, even touching my toes can be a challenge.

Does that mean yoga isn't for me? No, of course not. I wouldn't have trained to be a yoga teacher if one of the requirements was to be able to do very "difficult" poses.

From watching, listening, and speaking to new yogis, what I've noticed is that most of the frustration comes from seeing someone else in a class bend in some way that they can't. Without knowing the other person's natural flexibility or how long and often they have been practicing yoga, it is assumed that quick progress should be made and if not, then yoga is not for them. Most new yogis will spend more time focuses on others than themselves.

The number one misconception about yoga that I like to clarify for my students (as well as anyone who will listen) is that yoga is for everybody. Because of the dynamic way that yoga works, everyday and every class is another opportunity to develop your practice. Yoga poses can be modified and enhanced to deal with an individual's specific physiology.

I always recommend that new yogis try everything at least once to see what works for them. That means trying Corpse Pose with a rolled blanket under the knees. It also means trying Half Moon Pose with a block underneath the supporting hand. Have you ever tried doing Child's Pose on a bolster? (It's heavenly by the way.)

Props (for example, blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps, eye bags, the wall, other yoga buddies) can be used to help enhance poses and allow the practioner to further relax and receive a fuller benefit from the pose.

Over time, a yogi can then learn to decide during a practice whether a prop is necessary for their practice that day or not.

Here are a few of my favorite modifications for some common areas that can be tight and need a little extra yoga TLC. (Not sure what these poses look like? Click on the word to see the Yoga Journal explanation.)

Have tight hamstrings?

- Try sitting on a folded blanket in Seated Forward Bend.

- Try placing a block underneath each hand in Standing Forward Bend.

Have tight shoulders?

- Try using a strap when trying to touch your hands behind your back.

- Create a loop to use when you're in Dancing Shiva Pose.

Have sensitive wrists?

- Place a foam wedge underneath the wrists in Upward Facing Dog.

- Use your forearms rather than your palms in Downward Facing Dog.

Have tight hips?

- Use blocks underneath the knees when seated in a cross-legged position.

- Use blocks to support the knees in Supine Goddess Pose.

And always listen to your body when your practicing.

Loving Thoughts. Loving Words. Loving Heart.