You may have often heard me describe myself as an accessible yoga teacher and wondered what exactly that means. For me, accessible yoga is an inclusive practice that helps make the entire practice of yoga more equitable and safer for the student. This might mean adapting the postures to each individual, helping each student to find the pose that fits their body rather than trying to force their body into a particular shape. Accessible might also mean finding the style of practice whether it be in a chair, a mat, or bed that is most comfortable as well. Accessible might also mean making the practice available to everyone whether it is in a studio, a gym or through an online platform like Zoom. It can also mean making the practice more affordable.
Traditionally, the way of yoga and how it was taught to prospective teachers was to follow a specific type of alignment that was to be taught to everyone coming to the practice. But no two bodies are exactly alike and just like fast fashion, one size does not fit all. Our bodies are in a constant state of change: we are aging, changing physique, and dealing with injuries and illness. Our energy levels fluctuate as well as our mental health being in a constant state of flux as well. As yoga instructors, it’s important that we recognize and honor that each individual is going to have a unique goal, a unique experience, and a unique way of practicing yoga and that it is vital that we are able to help our students adapt the asanas to fit their needs in that moment.
When I started to give myself permission to connect and listen to my own body during my yoga practice, I found that I was benefitting both physically and mentally in new ways. My practice became more authentic when I released the ideas of what I perceived my body should look like and be doing when I was on the mat. I realized that the only “rules” that truly existed were the basic tenants of yoga beginning with ahimsa which is defined as “non-harming”. This meant both physically and mentally. Before this revelation, I would get so discouraged when a particular pose wasn’t achievable for me or that I felt like “less than” because I was stuck in comparing myself to the person on the mat next to me. By creating a more accessible practice for my body size and chronic illness, I was able to experience the benefits of yoga in a much deeper level.
It was then that I made a commitment to help others find a way to adapt the postures for their own bodies in that moment. I try to encourage everyone who comes to my classes to do what feels best to them and forget about trying to win the imagined game of Simon Says. If everyone in the room is practicing a pose in a different way or even doing a different pose completely, then I feel like we’ve achieved that goal. I came to the conclusion a while ago that most of the students that I particularly like working with don’t feel welcomed or included in a typical yoga studio setting. That’s not to say that that isn’t possible but for the majority, the experiences for them haven’t been completely positive simply because not all teachers know how to make the practice equitable for everyone who walks in the door. I love teaching yoga in a local nursing facility and a nearby senior center. I’m also offering classes online via Zoom so that anyone anywhere can join in on the practice without leaving the comfort of their home, making the practice even more accessible to anyone with limited transportation or using a mobility device.
The world needs more yoga therefore it needs more teachers who can meet their students where they are.
Chair yoga with me every Saturday morning at 10am Eastern time via Zoom. Cost is $45 per month or $12 a drop in. Pay through PayPal: SunnyBarbee@protonmail.com or Venmo: Jacquelyn-Barbee. No refunds. If something causes me to cancel class, I will offer a make up class at a different time. Each participant will also receive a recording of the class so that you can practice on your own during the week.
In the Niceville area, join me for in person classes at the Niceville Senior Center! Every Monday morning at 8:45am for Gentle Yoga or every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:45am for Yoga Breeze, a hatha vinyasa style class. I also occasionally sub for the chair yoga class and you can join me there on Tuesday March 14 th and Thursday March 16 th at 12:45 pm. The Niceville Senior Center is free for folks 55 and over who live within city limits and offers low cost memberships to those outside of the city limits. Classes are a suggested $3 donation.