Your Body Is Always Talking: Why Making Adjustments in Yoga Is Okay

Have you ever been in a yoga class and found yourself trying to hold a pose, even though your body was telling you that something didn't feel right? Maybe you looked around the room and noticed someone moving deeper into the pose, and you thought, "I should be able to do that too."

I've been thinking about how easily we can forget to listen to ourselves when we're focused on what we think we should be doing.

The truth is, making adjustments in yoga is completely okay. In fact, I believe it's one of the most important things we can learn.

Your Body Isn't the Same Every Day

Our bodies are constantly changing. Our energy, flexibility, balance, strength, and comfort can be different from one day to the next. What felt good last week might not feel right today, and that doesn't mean you've lost progress.

Sometimes, we're tired. Sometimes, we've had a stressful day. Sometimes, our bodies are simply asking for something different.

Instead of getting frustrated, what if we learned to meet ourselves where we are?

You might use a block, bend your knees, shorten your stance, or choose to rest. These adjustments aren't something to feel embarrassed about. They're a way of responding to your body rather than ignoring it.

Yoga Isn't About Proving What You Can Do

I think we sometimes carry the idea that the deeper we go into a pose, the better we're doing. But a deeper stretch doesn't necessarily mean a better practice.

You can be in a simple version of a pose and still experience all the benefits of slowing down, breathing, and being present. You can also challenge yourself without forcing your body beyond what feels appropriate.

There is a difference between gently exploring your abilities and pushing yourself because you feel you have something to prove.

And you don't have to prove anything on your mat.

Your Body Deserves to Be Heard

As we get older, our bodies can change in ways we didn't expect. We may notice differences in our joints, our balance, our recovery, or how much energy we have. These changes can sometimes be difficult to accept, especially when we remember how we used to move.

But I don't believe our bodies should be treated as something we're constantly disappointed in.

Our bodies deserve patience. They deserve care. And they deserve us to pay attention when they're asking us to slow down.

Making an adjustment isn't giving up on yourself. It can be a way of taking care of yourself.

Give Yourself Permission to Adapt

The next time you're practising yoga, try letting go of the idea that you need to do everything a certain way.

Ask yourself: Does this feel supportive? Can I breathe comfortably? Is there another way I can approach this pose today?

You might discover that adapting your practice allows you to enjoy it more. You may feel less pressure, more connected to your breath, and more comfortable in your own body.

And isn't that part of what we're looking for?

Yoga gives us an opportunity to practise listening—not just to our bodies, but to ourselves.

So take your time. Use a prop. Rest when you need to. Choose a different variation. And remember that your practice doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

You are allowed to adapt. You are allowed to change. And you are allowed to practise in a way that honours the body you have today.

Because yoga isn't about forcing yourself to fit a pose.

It's about learning how to be present, compassionate, and at home in yourself.

photo- @danewett

Looking for a gentle way to move?

If you're interested in exploring yoga in a supportive, adaptable way, you're welcome to learn more about my online yoga classes. Every body is different, and your practice should meet you where you are. Click here