I stepped outside of the yoga studio and into the amazing sunshine. We had just taken a heartfelt offering of a class (one of my classmate’s clinics), and we were feeling good. We launched into a conversation about yoga and a few moments later a woman who was walking her dog, a beautiful white poodle, joined our conversation.

This is how I experienced community today in my old neighborhood, and it filled my soul.

By the time I walked away I barely had time to get lunch before picking my daughter up, I had less time to do some writing, and it was completely worth it.

We talked about so many important elements of a yoga class and why they are important. We talked about community and teaching and learning. It was a beautiful conversation to have at this point in my journey.

The conversation turned to adjustments and how these women really felt like they play an important role in the practice.

“I think that adjustments, even if it’s just a simple and gentle encouraging touch, allow students to feel seen,” I told them, to a resounding yes.

I’ve got another post that I’m waiting to hit publish on where I talk more about adjustments and modifications (which actually grew out of another conversation I had with a friend). For now though, let me share this.

You can be in a room practicing, listening to your teacher and allowing his or her words to guide you from posture to posture. You can feel connected to the community of others who are practicing with you. You can feel connected to the words the teacher is speaking (we talked about that today too, I’ll save that for another post because you know I have a lot to say about that).

What can help teach you so much about yourself and your practice is a lovingly given adjustment.

As a budding teacher and long time student, here’s a bit of what I believe an adjustment can say to the student:

You are supported
You are full of possibility
You are safe
You are seen
You are important
You are deserving

What beautiful things to share with a student.

You may not be local. You may not find your way to one of my yoga classes. I hope that as I explore new ways to share yoga with you through this growing online community that I am able to convey these messages to you. Because each and every one of them is true.

You are supported
You are full of possibility
You are safe
You are seen
You are important
You are deserving

With Love,