Hands on/off Adjustments

Turns out people notice what you don’t do.

A regular to one of my yoga classes recently had knee surgery and when I asked how they’re feeling in their practice they said, “great, except in child’s pose... I didn’t mention it to you since you don’t give assists like that (deepening assists e.g. pushing on low back in child’s pose).”

Hands on adjustments in yoga is a form of communication and I think it’s important to know what you’re saying with them when you give them.

When I use to let people adjust me the assists we’re always about deepening the pose I was in - whether I wanted to go deeper or not. Sometimes they were too much and I injured myself. As a teacher, I deemphasize going deeper so there’s nothing for me to push on. I don’t emphasize an aesthetic so there’s nothing for me to correct. I encourage personal agency which invites people to find their own signature alignment. More studios are taking notice with some offering (yes/no) consent cards so students have a say in their experience on the mat. It was after learning more about adjustments and the complexities of consent culture that I decided they’re not central to my teaching. Touch can of course be healing and I realize some people love hands on adjustments.

As I continue to redefine yoga with sustainable movement the less I need to “fix” or change someone’s yoga pose. My approach is to make more space for movement diversity.

Rare photo of me giving a down-dog push to a fellow yoga teacher friend who also knows her body very well.