episode 2 : to prop or not to prop

 

Can we please take a minute and talk about what it is to be a yoga practitioner?! There is so many things I want to say on this topic, but I promise not to rant and keep it brief. 

First of all can we stop talking about “labels” or checking “boxes” ; advanced or beginner, old or young, plump or skinny. None of that matters once you step on your yoga mat! 

Your yoga mat doesn’t care if you had a green smoothie or a triple espresso before class. Your yoga mat doesn’t care if you are 3 pounds heavier than last month. Your yoga mat doesn’t care that your hair looks crazy and have on no make up. Your mat doesn’t care that last week you practiced 4 times, and this week only once. All it cares about is you! It cares wether or not you keep returning to the safety of it. That is all. It is there for you; in any way you need it, and it will always be happy to see you. I have, in the past, and on  many occasions spoken about my relationship with my yoga mat… so I will not bore you with those details today! But I will say: 

GET ON YOUR MAT!

Play a game with me: imagine you are a beginner again, a brand new newbie excited to step on your mat and feel the magic that is a yoga practice. Try and start each practice as if it was your first time, a blank slate, leave your ego at the door. Feel each asana, breathe slowly in each pose. When we think of the difference between a beginner and an advanced practitioner, there are some obvious clues. But to me an advance yogi looks like someone who knows how their body moves. The unison of their breath and movement, the awareness of transitions, the intention in each asana’s execution. But you can hold all of the qualities as a beginner or hold none at all.

Most people think that props; blocks, belts, bolsters are only for beginners. Sorry to chock you, that is the biggest lie out there. Props are there to help you get into poses with better alignment, more space, more ease. Think of a Jenga Game, when it is stacked properly it will hold. The body placed in a yoga poses is the same thing. Once in proper alignment your life will be better. Everyone and every body is different. You must allow yourself to use them if you need them. I repeat; leave your ego at the door. Some of us have shorter arms, short torsos, less flexibility, affected mobility, injuries… just to name a few reasons why you should use what is available to you. Of course in the case of restorative or yin, you NEED all the props, but in any practice, any time you step on your mat, use them. Depending on my practice, I use blocks or straps almost everyday. Knowing when to use them shows the maturity in your practice, knowing your body. Shows respect for the integrity of the poses. Any “advanced” practitioner will see and know this. 

Here are a few benefits why you should use props:

  • provides better stability
  • creates space
  • allows release 
  • make poses more accessible and possible 
  • can be used to increase strength 
  • helps with flexibly 
  • helps with balance & focus 
  • improves alignment 
  • awareness of muscle engagement 

So that said, you can have fun with our props. My students often tell me that when I use the word fun, its usually not fun for them lol! But in all seriousness your practice will improve and your love for yoga will deepen. Be brave enough to try something new. Never be shy to ask a question. 

Over the years, I am very proud to say I have developed a community where students chat with me and with each other. A safe and easy environment where you try, fail and try again. Learn from your mistakes and build a more solid practice. We have an open forum where everyone can ask any questions, give feedback, have a laugh.

Usually my practice looks like a toddler’s playground. Blocks everywhere, an extra blanket, yoga belts, cushions… and I use them all. And for everything! From seated mediation, to restorative and yin, to a very active flow.  

Now, go play with your blocks!