Asana, or the physical postures of yoga, tend to get a bad rap if you’re not innately flexible or athletic. Not to mention if you’ve had injuries and the like. With what we are exposed to through popular media, it is no wonder that just the thought of yoga can be intimidating.
I hear two common statements from prospective students: “Oh I can’t do yoga! I’m not flexible!” or “Oh I can can’t do yoga! I have no strength!” Guess what… neither is required. We gain flexibility and strength of body through consistent practice. Without my consistent yoga practice I lose these benefits quickly too. And this is coming from a person that as kid couldn’t get close, let alone touch my toes.
In 2.46-47 of the Yoga Sutras, Pantajali is quite clear:
The physical postures should be steady and comfortable.
They are mastered when all effort is relaxed…
Yoga is restorative and transformative in nature. It brings a person back to balance not just in body, but in mind and spirit. I don’t know about you, but I would like flexibility of mind and strength of character as well! Steady and comfortable from the inside out.
Yoga is a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach addressing all parts of being human. Would you be surprised to know that the purpose of Yoga is to alleviate current and future suffering (Y.S. 2.16-17)? There is no competition or comparison. It has far more to offer than just physical movements; Yoga is a robust system of living well. The aim of Yoga is a state of wholeness where the body, mind, and heart are in synch. We are enlivened in body, rested in mind, and connected with our chosen Higher Power.
Unfortunately we do not often see that portrayed in mainstream projections of Yoga, but I hope that as practitioners speak up, this will change. The main reason I studied to be a Yoga Therapist is that I had enough of the one-size-fits-all-cookie-cutter examples and approaches to health and Yoga. It simply did not work for me after surgeries, trauma, and chronic illnesses. I struggled with connecting and relearning my body, finding little support and guidance from the Yoga community.
This failure to effectively communicate that each path of Yoga is as unique as the practitioner is slowly being corrected through adaptable and accessible Yoga like that of Yoga Therapy. Any one can practice Yoga. No matter your age. No matter your injuries or condition. In a wheelchair. In a hospital bed. No matter what. If you have not experienced Yoga in this way, please reach out to me. Experience the freedom and empowerment of a Yoga Therapy class on me. And most importantly comfort in being… you, just the way you are.
PATAÑJALI, & SHEARER, A. (2002). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. New York, Bell Tower.