Balancing Poses
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Yoga Techniques and Fitness
Overview
In this lesson, we present an overview of balancing poses and how to teach them with awareness that different students experience poses differently.
Objective
Understand how to use information about pose benefits as a guideline rather than a prescription, and how to invite self-reflection instead of telling students what they will experience.
What You'll Get
What You'll Get: You'll learn the essential teaching principle that there are no universal truths in how people experience poses. The lesson provides a framework for talking about pose intentions and common effects without imposing your experience on students. You'll discover how to encourage observation of sensations, breath, and state of mind rather than dictating expected outcomes. For professionals, this lesson connects you to deeper resources on alignment principles, verbal cueing, wise word choice, and inclusive language. It covers the full range of balancing poses from Vrksasana to Anantasana, emphasizing how to honor each student's unique experience while still providing useful guidance about what the poses typically offer.
People Experience Poses Differently
In this lesson bundle, you’ll find benefits and effects that may be associated with the poses. Knowing common effects associated with each pose is useful for planning sequences and choosing poses to meet intentions.
However, since there are no universal truths in how different people experience poses, please take care with this information, using it only as a guideline or reference. Be sure to promote the truth that students may have different experiences.
While you might express intentions of various poses, AVOID TELLING students what they will experience with a pose or technique. Instead invite self-reflection by observing sensations throughout the body, as well as effects to their breathing and state of mind.
See Also
- General Alignment Principles
- Alignment Cueing
- Asana Categories Hub
- Wise Word Choice
- Inclusive & Accepting Word Choice
- Planning & Sequencing Hub
Cautions
When choosing a variation or alternative, consider the following:
- The heart / purpose of the pose.
- The role it is playing in the sequence.
- Why the pose is not accessible or appropriate for this student at this time.
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