In a yoga class each individual brings a unique history, a tapestry of experiences, injuries, and energy levels that shape their practice. As I guide my students through each pose, I am reminded of the profound lesson my own practice and my own injuries taught me: yoga is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It is a deeply personal practice, where alignment is subjective and intimately tied to our body structure and personal history.
Years ago, I experienced two injuries that profoundly altered my approach to yoga. The pain and the subsequent healing process were challenging, but they also became my greatest teachers. They taught me to listen to my body with an attentiveness I had never known before. I learned to honor its limitations and celebrate its capabilities. This injury reshaped my understanding of alignment and shape, not as a rigid standard to be achieved but as a fluid concept, adaptable to the individual.
In my teaching, I strive to create a space where my students feel empowered to honor their own bodies. I encourage them to explore poses in ways that feel right for them, rather than forcing themselves into an idealized form. Every body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. This understanding guides my approach to the way I teach. Instead of dictating precise angles and measurements, I offer suggestions and modifications, inviting students to find their own expression of the pose.
Energy levels also play a crucial role in how we experience yoga. There are days when our energy is vibrant and flowing, and the practice feels effortless. Other times, fatigue or stress may weigh us down, making even the simplest poses feel challenging. Recognizing and respecting these fluctuations is key to a sustainable practice. I encourage my students to tune into their energy levels, to move with mindfulness and compassion, and to rest when needed.
Each student also brings their own unique feelings to the mat. When we step onto our mats, we carry with us the residue of our daily lives. The unspoken worries, the quiet joys, the lingering sorrows – all of these emotions find a place in our practice and they can affect our energy levels, our flexibility, our balance and our focus. Yoga offers a sacred space to acknowledge and process these feelings. As we move through each asana, we create opportunities to explore and release the emotions stored in our bodies.
Reflecting on my own journey, I realize how much my injuries shaped the kind of yoga teacher I am today. It instilled in me a deep respect for individual needs and a commitment to fostering a practice that is inclusive and adaptable. I strive to be a teacher who listens, who sees each student as unique, and who supports them in finding their own path.
In our shared space, we come together as a community of individuals, each with our own stories and bodies. Yoga is for me a celebration of this diversity, a practice that honors our differences and unites us in our shared quest for balance and peace. My hope is that each student leaves my class feeling more connected to their own body, more aware of their own needs, and more empowered to practice in a way that truly serves them. This, to me, is the essence of yoga: a personal journey of discovery, healing, and growth.
