Yoga is for Everyone
When people think of yoga, they usually think of the physical postures. However, yoga is a vast system that encompasses more than poses or asana.
There are many ways to practise yoga, and this can include breathing techniques, various forms of meditation, yoga philosophy study, self-observation, and living our lives in ways that are guided by yogic values such a ahimsa or non-violence. In fact, the physical yoga practice, like these other practices, are really tools. Life tools. Tools that allow us to find our centre, to cultivate calm, quiet and grounding so that we can tune in and connect to our authenticity. This is the yoga we can carry with us out of the studio or wherever we practise, and that serves us, our loved ones and our communities. It’s the yoga we do “off the mat”. But who is yoga really for? Who can benefit? In my opinion … everyone.
The physical practice of yoga, or asana, encompasses a broad spectrum that has something to offer everybody. The styles of yoga are so varied, ranging from lying on the floor on an arrangement of cushions, to essentially gymnastics within the confines (or thereabouts) of a yoga mat. Depending on how it’s applied, yoga can be utilised to have a desired effect on all body systems. For example, the musculoskeletal system is strengthened through healthy compression and loading. Balance is improved with progressively challenging balancing postures and by strengthening stabilising and core muscles. Range of motion is also enhanced, but so are proprioception, coordination and body awareness generally.
It is not uncommon for people to think of yoga as synonymous with flexibility and stretching. This only makes up one component of yoga. Yoga is about finding a balance - a balance between stability and mobility, and between strength and relaxation. For me, this highlights how yoga can be used functionally and with specific purpose. Someone who is already flexible can focus on creating strength, whereas someone who is very tight can focus on finding space, even within the same class setting. How you set your intention and where you settle your attention creates a unique experience - that is the unique yoga student’s practice, and it is their own.
Beyond musculoskeletal benefit, yoga can positively impact the nervous system by assisting a shift from a more sympathetic (fight or flight) to a more parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system state. As the nervous system is so tightly bound to other important aspects of our health like digestion, immunity, endocrine (hormones) and cardiovascular, this is a key area to target. Relaxation is primarily sought by focusing on steady and deep breathing, which is an integral feature of all yoga practices. The connection of movement to breath, and of mind to the subtle experience of breath and body is also what makes yoga … yoga.
Yoga can also support our mental health by offering an environment where we can experience a mild stressor - holding a pose for an extended period, endeavouring through a challenging shape or sequence, or being still. We make ourselves a little uncomfortable, and we invite enquiry, non-judgement, and surrender. This helps to build resilience, not only in our body but in our mind. We observe our thoughts, and realise we are not our thoughts. We observe the narrative that arises: “this is hard”, “I can’t do it”, “I like those yoga pants, I wonder if they’re still selling those at Lululemon” - and we can disassociate. If we aren’t our thoughts, our inner dialogue, then who are we? It gives us space to reflect. This gives us clarity about who we are, what serves us and what doesn’t.
Yoga is transformational.
Yoga is liberating.
Often what brings us to the mat is physical - something we want to experience or achieve within our body. Usually what keeps us coming back to our mat is non-physical - something we didn’t expect to experience in our minds, our hearts, and perhaps somewhere deeper we did not know was there.
