For professionals who lose their train of thought, ramble, or feel their body take over when the pressure is on. Every week, you'll receive practical strategies using a body-first approach to help you stay steady and communicate clearly and coherently so your expertise is finally recognized and respected.
Adapting asana to suit our bodies
Hey, Reader,
One of the things that really gets me about a lot of yoga classes these days (my own included) is the lack of modifications provided to suit our unique physical needs.
Social media and our own egos have led us to believe that some poses are "better" than others.
For example, being able to touch your toes in a seated forward fold without bending the knees or rounding the back is often seen as "better" than the same pose with the aid of a strap or blankets.
The problem with this? Aside from pushing ourselves (or worse, being pushed) towards injury, we tend to equate physical capabilities with value and worth. I've often caught myself berating my body for not being able to get into full splits. As if my value as a person in society relied on the flexibility of my hamstrings.
Silly, right?
In truth, there is no such thing as "better" in asana (the physical practice of yoga). Each pose and their variations are all there to target specific parts of the body in order to strengthen and stretch it ready for breathwork and mediation. It is not of any matter whether you're using a block, blanket, pillow, or strap - you're still benefitting from the movement.
I think there is a shift happening, though, with teachers being gradually more aware that there is no such thing as a "perfect" pose, and more teachers spending more time helping students use props to get into the variation of the pose that suits their unique proportions and capabilities.
One of those teachers that I think is providing immense value is Andrew McConigle. He goes by "doctoryogi" on Instagram. As a trained medical doctor with a 20-year history of studying anatomy, he is a reliable and level-headed source of inspiration and information. I think you'll enjoy his posts if you're on Instagram. (If not, try www.doctor-yogi.com for some informative blog posts).
As for all things happening over here in my little corner:
In case you missed it:
1) Some tidbits and Q&As about establishing a routine over on Instagram.
2) This week's live video over in the FB Group all about routine again - this time some tips and tricks about how to stay accountable in your yoga journey.
3) This week's blog post all about the three pillars of establishing a yoga routine (plus a bonus pillar or two).
Until next week, much love and have a fabulous week,
Ellie
Ellie Smith | Public Speaking Coach
For professionals who lose their train of thought, ramble, or feel their body take over when the pressure is on. Every week, you'll receive practical strategies using a body-first approach to help you stay steady and communicate clearly and coherently so your expertise is finally recognized and respected.
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