How is modifying your practice an act of rebellion?

Modifying your practice, choosing between variations of asanas based on how you feel physically and emotionally, is a rebellious act.

We live in a time when our bodies and feelings have become commodified by the wellness industry. We are constantly encouraged to optimise our physical and mental health. Think about sports watches and smart rings tracking our steps and sleep, the endless supplements, exercise classes and wellness trends. An entire industry is built around telling us how our bodies should look and feel.

We are encouraged to optimise everything: our time, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and even rest.

And if that wasn't enough, there is also a narrative around what a healthy body looks like. It's slim, strong and toned. It wears trendy activewear, holds a protein shake in one hand while checking a sports watch with the other, and goes to a certain gym or studio. Health has become an aesthetic.

It's easy to feel lost in the complexity of wellness, trying to figure out if we are doing it "right".

But stepping away from that narrative, slowing things down, looking inwards and listening to your own needs is actually going against the system.

It is taking ownership of your body and mind again. Refusing to let them become products upon which entire businesses are built.

So what does this mean in your yoga practice?

Who has ownership over your body? The wellness industry? Your yoga teacher? Your fellow practitioners? Or you?

Who are you going to listen to when it comes to your postures? Who truly knows what is best for you? Your smart watch?

Modifying your practice can take many forms:

• Staying in a posture a little longer because it feels good

• Taking an extra inhale

• Moving at a different rhythm from the teacher's count

• Adding movement

• Inviting stillness in

• Going deeper or softening

• Widening your stance to create more spaciousness

• Adding a backbend

• Imagining a heart opener instead of arching your back

• Jumping forward or taking smaller steps to arrive at the top of your mat

• Bringing your gaze up or down

• Smiling :)

The list is endless.

Your teacher only offers invitations. They come to class with a plan, a starting point that you can return to whenever you wish. But the practice is yours. It has always been yours.

Your practice should never be about optimising your body. The only thing you might wish to refine is your relationship with your breath, allowing it to become steady, comfortable and easeful. And when you lose that ease, because you absolutely will from time to time, simply find your way back to it.

Let your body find steadiness, ease and comfort, and allow these qualities to take different shapes from one moment to the next.

Be present in your practice. Be a listener. Be an observer.

That, in itself, is rebellious.

The choice will always be yours.

See you on the mat.

Lots of love,

Viki xxx