The Magic in the Movement
- Caitlin Kerr
- Oct 21, 2018
- 2 min read
Dear yogis
Firstly I would like to thank every single one of you who supports yoga teachers by showing up at our classes day after day, week after week. Thank you. It gives us more than financial support, it gives us the satisfaction and joy of sharing our passion, and for that, we are truly grateful.
It is a privilege to guide you through your journey into the subtle workings of the body and mind, and to hear how great you feel after your yoga practice. As a yoga teacher, I love being there to lead you through a process that is really entirely your own.
There's only one thing that worries me in my job, and so many yoga teachers I've spoken to feel the same. When we ask you to move at your own pace, within your own comfort levels, we really mean it. We do not judge you or want to "perfect" your form. We are inviting you to enjoy a dialogue with your body and understand your body from a place of respect.
I like to remind people that yoga is not a secret trick that only kicks in once you've achieved the most aligned and advanced variation of a pose. The magic comes from the movement itself, no matter how close you come to that textbook (Instagram??) picture of the pose. I'd like to invite you to really take it easy next time you practise. Find the most comfortable version of the pose and stay there for a while, just breathing and letting your body open up to the pose. The only goal of yoga asana is to find that subtle focus that allows you to hear your body and learn its language.
In a yoga class, I have no expectation of students to perform to a certain standard or be able to "achieve" all of the poses in the class. When I offer steps to make the pose easier or more advanced, it is not to shame you or to challenge you, it is simply to provide options for you and the many different people who are in the studio. Try taking the easiest option next time and listen to the signals your body is sending you.
Take yourself step by step through the progression of Revolved Seated Forward Bend (below) and see where you feel most comfortable. Let go of the idea of challenging yourself and just allow your body to reveal itself to you new ways. If you feel any kind of strain in the body, make it easier until you know you can hold the position for 3 deep breaths.
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