21/06/2026
Some of the things I was taught over 30 years of practicing yoga that I have consciously unlearned and abandoned.
Not allowed a drink whilst practicing.
No talking allowed.
Never be late as a student.
Do exactly as the teacher does.
No choice .
Feel you have to do it even if you know it's not good for you right then .
No options to take a break.
To be still, to hold poses .
Over the years I questioned .
When I needed support and understanding how does this look? When I was late on a few occasions as getting out the house was almost impossible and getting there was a massive achievement (although a little late ) being turned away was a huge kick in the teeth .
When I had gone through the most intense stress in a morning and still managed to get there but needed to make infrequent casual one liners quietly to the person next to me to regulate to be met with "stop f***ing talking" by a renowned male teacher . I vowed never to make anybody else feel this way as we don't know what people are going through before class .
When it's really hot and you have heat intolerance or sensory issues and drinking helps to cool you or regulates you and you are told not to.
When your mind is active and overwhelmed and movement is soothing but told you have to be still in this pose , a little wriggle or rocking or rhythmic movement is ok in my books.
When you need to walk around at start of class and burn off that 'fizziness' / anxiety first rather than straight into breath and stillness . That's ok , go for it .
When needing a focus in relaxation and meditation because you have one of 'those' minds is met with you are just not practicing it enough . Some folk particularly ND folk it's just the way , not a lack of focus or dedication to practicing .
That's enough for now , could go on .
How do people REALLY experience what you offer ?
What things have you felt or think have no place in an inclusive space ?
📸 by Amber
