[Yoga Cues to Use - Pose Equity rather than hierarchy]
Do you use these? What alternatives can you think of?!
Pose hierarchy (ie fullest extension of the pose…) is bringing hierarchy into our cueing. We do this when we speak or act like there’s a “better” or “fuller” way to do a shape… this subtly or overtly p it s some people and bodies up ⬆️ and others down. ⬇️
Pose hierarchy isn't only a form of ableism but it disempowers us (totally not the aim of yoga) can lead to injury.
What's wrong with these cues? “power up, push through, fullest extension, if it’s in your practice…” etc?
Well, they subtly shame and cast shade. They take us out of bodily autonomy, make us feel that we cannot trust ourselves and make us feel that we must do more.
Yoga is literally about experiencing freedom and liberation, not comparison and insecurity!
Instead of folllowing these normative cues try working towards what I love to call in all my Yoga trainings - Pose Equity:
These cues invite autonomy and empowerment.
💫 Perhaps you are softening
💫 Notice the sensations
💫 Work with you edge
💫 How does it feel in your body?
By changing our language we invite connection to sensation without introducing hierarchy.
What’re some of your fave ways of inviting in pose equity and all expressions of a shape? 👇🏽
Save to remember and share (w credit!) If you love the idea of Pose Equity! 💕
#realyoga#ableism#bodypositivity#yogateacher#yogaculture#yogaphilosophy#yogatips#yogapractice
On #NationalDisabilityIndependenceDay I wanted to talk about how pervasive ableism can be in Western yoga culture. Here are a few ways:
Pose Hierachy
The idea that one version of a pose is somehow better or more valid than another directly echoes the ableist idea that one type of body, or one body’s abilities, is better or more valid than another.
Lack of Representation
When we only see able bodied individuals represented in yoga on social media, and in other types of media, it reinforces the false notion that folks with disabilities cannot practice yoga.
Focus on Aesthetic
Focusing on the look of a pose, or the clothing worn during asana practice, doesn’t only shift attention away from what yoga is, it can also create an environment that is not welcoming to those who cannot match this narrow visual representation of yoga.
Focus on Asana
Falsely equating yoga to only a physical practice negates all of the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga. Anyone, with any level of physical or cognitive ability, can practice yoga, because yoga is a way of life.
Can you think of any ableism you've encountered in your experience in Western yoga? Let me know in the comments 👇🏾
#realyoga#yogateachertrainer#ableism#bodypositivity#bodyneutrality#antiracism