I mostly self-practice nowadays due to my schedule. But last week, I had the opportunity to take class at a studio. I consider it quite a gift to be able to take other teachers’ classes. I can just connect without practicing with a teacher’s mind. Unfortunately, though, I couldn’t lose myself in this particular class. 

This teacher, whom I didn’t know, would cue the oddest posture names. The one that broke the camel’s back was “auspicious one-armed pose.” I seriously looked up with a perplexed, WTF-look to see what the teacher was referring to. 

After class, I reflected upon TRADITION in yoga. I highly regard & honor the traditional practice of yoga, but I’ve noticed how today’s yoga practice has morphed & slightly steered away from tradition, some in an unfortunate “auspciously one-armed-pose” kind of way but mostly into way that honors tradition in a more modern method. 

I’ve adapted it myself, in fact, incorporating a more mindful, movement & mobility practice into transitions & traditional postures, yet without creating crazy made up names. Many of my cues have also shifted, mostly in an anatomical way that promotes safety & heightened understanding of our body’s functionality. 

As a practitioner for almost 20 years, I’m constantly learning ways to honor this practice & yet keep it adaptable to my (aging) changing body. I also love sharing what I learn in all of my classes. 

How are you adapting yet honoring tradition as a teacher or student? I’d love to hear!