The article explores the author's evolving understanding of safety in yoga practice. Initially confident in providing specific cues for the physical safety of students, the author began to notice that these suggestions often left students feeling less stable and more insecure, prompting a reassessment of teaching methods. Introduced to pain science, the author recognizes the importance of fostering resilience over merely addressing pain, ultimately advocating for an approach that balances caution with empowerment to improve students' self-confidence in their practice.
Every good teacher wants to create a safe and supportive environment for students and share cues that help them be better friends to their bodies.
My teaching style might have had the opposite effect—leaving students feeling vulnerable instead of safe, fragile rather than resilient.
I still encouraged my students to back away from any pain during yoga practice, although what I learned forced me to reassess my beliefs around safety.
The longer I taught and the more students I kept safe, the less certain I became.
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