Bikram Yoga: What is a "Modification" and How Does it Work?
Season 3, Episode 26, Nov 09, 2021, 06:21 PM
Bikram Yoga long held a reputation for "no modifications".
This is simply a misunderstanding plus a bit of ignorance.
Every posture is ALWAYS modified! We modify the depth in all cases, according to the breathing, the sensations in the body, and our understanding in each moment.
Here the thing.
We do not modify the technique or form of the posture, however, in 99.9% of cases.
We almost never give "alternate" postures.
Why? There is rarely a compelling argument for doing so.
(Of course, there are a few exceptions, and a good teacher will help you the right way.)
In 99.9% of cases, a modification of depth is all that is needed.
Maintaining the technique of the posture - especially regarding the direction and position of the spine and organs - allows you to maintain the benefits of the posture.
It may very well challenge us mentally, because we do not think we are "successful" when the posture is lessened in depth.
But that is the most important part! We must be challenged mentally in yoga!
We learn that we ARE doing the posture and getting 100% benefit if we are TRYING correctly. We throw out the old habits of thought that need to accomplish and achieve, even at the cost of normal breathing and good technique.
NOT CHANGING THE POSTURE TECHNIQUE IS EXACTLY HOW WE GET TO THIS REALIZATION. If we do an "alternate", "modified" posture, then we remain dependent upon false thoughts and beliefs about the present moment.
Friday, November 5, 2021
7:30 am class
Bikram Yoga Capital Area / Online
This is simply a misunderstanding plus a bit of ignorance.
Every posture is ALWAYS modified! We modify the depth in all cases, according to the breathing, the sensations in the body, and our understanding in each moment.
Here the thing.
We do not modify the technique or form of the posture, however, in 99.9% of cases.
We almost never give "alternate" postures.
Why? There is rarely a compelling argument for doing so.
(Of course, there are a few exceptions, and a good teacher will help you the right way.)
In 99.9% of cases, a modification of depth is all that is needed.
Maintaining the technique of the posture - especially regarding the direction and position of the spine and organs - allows you to maintain the benefits of the posture.
It may very well challenge us mentally, because we do not think we are "successful" when the posture is lessened in depth.
But that is the most important part! We must be challenged mentally in yoga!
We learn that we ARE doing the posture and getting 100% benefit if we are TRYING correctly. We throw out the old habits of thought that need to accomplish and achieve, even at the cost of normal breathing and good technique.
NOT CHANGING THE POSTURE TECHNIQUE IS EXACTLY HOW WE GET TO THIS REALIZATION. If we do an "alternate", "modified" posture, then we remain dependent upon false thoughts and beliefs about the present moment.
Friday, November 5, 2021
7:30 am class
Bikram Yoga Capital Area / Online
East Lansing, Michigan
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