At Yogam Yoga, we believe in nurturing each student’s unique journey in their practice. One of the core principles we uphold is the avoidance of physical adjustments during our classes. Here, we explore the reasons behind this approach and how verbal instruction fosters a more empowering and safe environment.
1. Personal Energy and Prana
Hatha yoga emphasises the importance of individual energy—prana. Each student is on a journey of self-discovery, harnessing their own energy flow. When a teacher physically adjusts a student, it can disrupt this personal energy, leading to confusion rather than deeper self-connection.
2. Mitigating Injury Risks
Physical adjustments carry inherent risks. A teacher may not fully understand a student’s anatomical limitations or injuries, which can lead to unexpected strain or harm. Instead of forcing a student into a position they aren’t ready for, we encourage self-exploration, allowing students to navigate their own bodies safely.
3. Respecting Consent
Consent in physical touch is essential. Not everyone feels comfortable with physical adjustments, and many students may feel anxiety around being touched. Our commitment to verbal guidance allows everyone to practice within their comfort zones, respecting individual boundaries.
4. Addressing Historical Contexts of Abuse
The yoga community has experienced instances of abuse where physical touch led to violations of trust. By eliminating physical adjustments, we create a safe space where students can practice without fear of unwanted or invasive contact.
5. Setting Aside Teacher Ego
Sometimes, physical adjustments stem from a teacher’s desire to demonstrate their expertise. This can shift focus from the student’s journey to the teacher’s need for validation. By relying on verbal cues, we empower students, emphasising their personal path over any teacher’s ego. Our teachers are on the same journey as the students and we encourage our teachers and students to work without ego or competition.
6. Encouraging Self-Awareness
Verbal instruction promotes body awareness. By developing the ability to listen to their own bodies, students learn to understand their limits and capabilities better, which is essential for personal growth in their yoga practice. Fixation with perfection by teachers is not part of the teachings of yoga where it is emphasised in Patanjali’s yoga sutras that a posture should be ‘steady and comfortable’.
7. Empowering Students
Verbal guidance fosters self-empowerment, encouraging students to actively engage in their practice. They learn to identify adjustments and modifications that resonate with them, cultivating ownership over their practice and promoting long-lasting benefits.
8. Valuing Individuality
Every student’s journey is unique, and by omitting physical adjustments, we acknowledge that no one-size-fits-all approach exists in yoga. Verbal guidance allows for greater personalisation, leading to deeper learning and mastery over time.
9. Focusing on Breath and Mindfulness
Hatha yoga emphasises the union of breath and movement. Physical adjustments can divert attention away from the breath and mental state. By prioritising verbal instructions, students maintain a connection to their breath, enhancing mindfulness and presence during practice.
10. Building Community and Connection
Prioritising verbal instructions encourages meaningful engagement between teachers and students. This approach fosters a sense of community, built on respect for personal boundaries and shared learning experiences, creating a supportive atmosphere for all.
11. Holistic Development
By focusing on verbal instructions, we support the holistic growth of our students—not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. This practice promotes resilience and adaptability, teaching students to navigate their yoga journey through intuition and self-awareness.
12. Returning to Ancient traditions
In traditional yoga practices, the guru would often sit in a lotus position at the front of the class, guiding students through verbal instruction while they followed along. You see this approach in many of the older institutions of yoga in India today. The ancient method emphasised personal introspection and self-guidance, a stark contrast to the modern practices that incorporate physical adjustments. By honouring this tradition, we invite students to reconnect with the wisdom of old, emphasising the importance of inner guidance and personal exploration.
Conclusion
At Yogam Yoga, we are dedicated to creating a safe, empowering, and nurturing space for our students. Our commitment to verbal instructions helps cultivate self-awareness, respect for personal boundaries, and a deep, fulfilling yoga practice. Join us as we explore and celebrate the unique journey of each individual on the mat!