If you’re here, reading The Pause, you may know that one of the main goals I have as a yoga, meditation, and wellness teacher is to create spaces where folks can access these practices and learn easy techniques to enhance their lives, regardless of their background, ability, gender identity, financial situation, etc.
I focus on making my classes and offerings accessible and inclusive, and I know I fail at times, but I try to stay open and curious and continue to learn and grow with the students.
When I was in Barcelona I attended a few different yoga studios and took wonderful classes with a wide variety of instructors. A few times, however, I was shocked at the language, cueing, and instruction that was used by some teachers. These classes were often labeled not only as easy or beginner, or for-all classes, but as accessible and inclusive.
Needless to say, the teachers didn’t do this maliciously; they were simply doing what they could with the tools they had, as we all do.
I began to gather some of these expressions and cues in a notebook that I will compile into an upcoming article - I’ll let you know when it’s out - but I wanted to hear any remarks you may want to add to my compilation.
As I also focus on building an authentic and honest community in this Substack I invite you to take a moment to reflect on a yoga class that you took, in person or online, that didn’t feel right.
I’d love for you to share in the comments the following:
What is a cue, a word, or instruction that a yoga teacher used in class that made you feel out of place or like you did not belong?
Perhaps it was something they said once, perhaps it was something you noticed them saying again and again, obliviously.
As I gather these and write my article, I intend to bring awareness to yoga teachers worldwide in order to invite them to consider ways to be more inclusive and accessible, simply starting with the words we choose and how we communicate in class.
I look forward to reading your comments.
Much love,
Laia