Transforming Yoga Language – From Common Cues To Empowering Guidance

Written by David Balfe, Yoga Coach

From DJ booths to yoga mats, David Balfe's journey blends movement, sound and discipline for personal growth and self-mastery. Founder of Dragn Yoga Coaching, he offers dynamic yoga teaching with the serenity of breathwork and meditation, empowering individuals to master stress and unlock their potential.

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Yoga is a practice that deeply intertwines body, mind, and spirit. The language we use as teachers or practitioners can significantly influence the experience on the mat. Some traditional cues, while well-intentioned, might not always serve the best interests of students. So, here’s a list of common cues that I often hear, with more mindful alternatives for you to consider in your teaching or practice.

Push through the pain

This phrase can inadvertently encourage students to ignore important bodily signals. Instead of fostering resilience, it may create an environment where students feel pressured to perform beyond their limits, potentially leading to physical and emotional stress. A more supportive approach is to invite students to "find their edge" or "listen to their body and ease off if needed." These phrases promote self-awareness and respect for one's personal boundaries, encouraging a practice that is both safe and empowering.

Pull your shoulders back

While the intention is to improve posture, this cue can lead to overextension and tension in the upper body. A more beneficial approach is to suggest "drawing the shoulder blades down and together" or "opening the chest." These alternatives encourage a more natural and relaxed alignment, helping to release tension and promote a sense of openness.

Lock your knees

Instructing students to lock their knees can increase the risk of hyperextension and joint strain. Instead, guiding them to "engage their thighs" or "keep a micro-bend in the knees" promotes stability and joint safety. This approach supports a more sustainable practice by encouraging muscular engagement without compromising joint health.

Suck in your stomach

This cue can restrict breathing and create unnecessary tension, hindering the flow of energy. Encouraging students to "engage their core" or "draw their navel towards the spine" facilitates core activation while allowing for full, deep breaths. This not only enhances stability but also supports a more mindful and connected practice.

Relax completely

In active poses, this instruction might imply letting go of necessary engagement, leading to confusion. Instead, suggesting students "soften where they can" or "find ease in the pose" encourages relaxation without losing essential support. This balance of effort and ease helps students maintain focus and presence in their practice.

Square the hips

Forcing the hips to square can lead to unnatural alignment, as everyone's anatomy is unique. Encouraging students to "align their hips comfortably" or "find balance in their pelvis" respects individual body mechanics and promotes natural alignment. This approach fosters a practice that honours personal anatomy and enhances overall well-being.

Flat back

Promoting a flat back can lead to the loss of the spine's natural curves, causing strain. Instead, guiding students towards a "neutral spine" or "lengthening the spine" supports healthy, natural alignment. This encourages a more integrated and supportive posture that respects the spine's natural curvature.

Tuck your tailbone under

This cue can disrupt the natural curve of the lumbar spine, leading to discomfort or over-engagement of certain muscles. Suggesting a "neutral pelvis" or "lengthening the spine" encourages maintaining the spine's natural curves and promotes core stability without forcing the pelvis into an unnatural position. This approach supports a balanced and harmonious alignment.

Perfect yoga pose

The idea of a perfect pose implies a single correct way to achieve it, which can be discouraging. Encouraging students to "find their expression of the pose" or "explore what feels right for them" fosters personal exploration and acceptance. This empowers students to embrace their unique journey and celebrate their individual progress.

Conclusion

In the journey of yoga, language is a powerful tool that can either uplift or unintentionally hinder a practitioner's experience. By choosing our words carefully, we can create a more inclusive, safe, and empowering environment. Yoga is a constant path of growth learning and unlearning the things we are taught. Stay flexible and keep a beginner’s mindset. It is important that we honour our students, their unique bodies and ability and to make yoga accessible to all.

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Read more from David Balfe

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David Balfe, Yoga Coach

David Balfe's journey from DJ booths to yoga mats is a fusion of rhythm and sound, movement and mindfulness for personal growth. As the founder of Dragn Yoga, he integrates the discipline of Muay Thai with the serenity of yoga, breathwork, and meditation, offering a unique approach to stress management and self-mastery. David's mission is to empower individuals to unlock their potential and embrace personal growth. His work blends movement and mindfulness to develop strength and inner peace.