Using Props in Yoga

Moody Beach

Do you use props properly?

Props can deepen a pose or support a pose that is, for whatever reason, a bit difficult for you.  I decided to have fun in triangle pose i needed the support of some driftwood at the beach that particular day.  My body was not warmed up, it was a cold and damp day and I was looking to create balance.  I was attempting to pose so my friend, Terri could snap a few photos. 
Terri needed to practice using her new lens and I needed some pictures for my portfolio.  Win-win situation I thought.

There are some general rules that I believe you should think about if you are a prop kind of a person.  I never used props until I began training.  Now I use them, especially at the beginning of my practice. 

Yoga is used to bring your body into balance.  If you are constantly fighting to stay in a pose, struggling to get out of a pose, or can't stay in a pose long enough to receive the benefits that consider using props.  But, with that said here are a few ideas or thoughts as you gather your props and get on your mat.
1.  Be your own guide.  Know what your body is telling you.  listen to yourself.  Awareness is key.

2.  Use props and then don't use them.  Explore the difference.

3.  Be open to using anything as a prop.  You can move a bit closer to a wall during balance poses (or a friend's shoulder), double fold your mat for your knees, use a sock to help slide across a hardwood floor.  Be open, and use your imagination.

4.  Ask for help or assistance or a gentle adjustment.

5.  Trust your inner guidance.  Your body knows what to do...don't always listen to your mind chatter.

Props can be a wonderful tool for those of us that need to find comfort in a difficult pose.  I use props in the restorative and adaptive yoga classes that I teach to find total relaxation and de-stress with ease.  I use props to help students find poses that they would not be able to do without assistance.  Adaptive yoga is a wonderful style of yoga that allows many people find their way onto a mat, stretch, strengthen and soften their body in ways they never knew they could by finding their own pose. 

Remember yoga is about balance on and off your mat.  Yoga means to unite.  Unite the breath and movement to reach a meditative state of being, and if that means using a prop or two then go for it. 

Everything in moderation!
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Janine is a yoga instructor and Life Coach practicing from her home studio. She invites students to her studio for one on one personal sessions, as well as traveling to the home for small groups. If you are looking for gentle yoga to increase flexibility, strength and decrease stress within, this is the style of yoga that you want for your practice. As a life coach, she leads educational coaching series along with personal one on one life coaching using the Co-Active Coaching techniques. You can reach her at 207-251-9577