The spine is most stable when in its neutral position, and it becomes less stable as it deviates from this natural alignment. Optimal health doesn't demand excessive spinal flexibility. Stability is the primary function of the spine. Remember, you are unique—no one else shares your biography or biology. One-size-fits-all advice doesn't hold; what works for one person might not work for you. The key is to discover the movements and exercises that serve your body. Let your practice be adaptable, not dogmatic, respecting the vast spectrum of human variation.
You Are Unique: A Functional Approach to Yoga
In the simple words of Bernie Clark, “you are unique – so is your yoga.” This uniqueness is defined by an array of biological strengths and limitations that constitute who we are. When we practice yoga from a functional approach, we recognize and honor our anatomical differences to move safely and effectively and minimize the risk of injury. Rather than limiting ourselves by the notion of what we think a pose should look like, functional yoga emphasizes the felt experience that arises when performing a pose. When we focus on the intention of a posture, as opposed to its aesthetic appeal, we develop a practice that will support us in maintaining healthy movement patterns for the duration of our lives.
Friday Night Yin Yoga on December 2nd
Friday Night Yin Yoga returns December 2nd @ 6:15 pm EST. Sam invites us to spend time in places we live in less to build our ability to not need an active state. Although each Yin pose is practiced on the floor, Sam offers numerous variations of the poses that will target the correct area but honor your individual body type and medical history.
Yoga is a Continuum of Practice
You are uniquely you. Just as no two apples look exactly the same, people (even twins) don’t have the exact same features. We are different on the outside, therefore we have to be different on the inside. We are not even completely symmetrical.
There isn’t a one size fit for yoga.
There isn’t one version of an asana that is the real or full pose. Each asana is a shape that has a specific target.