Today’s yoga blog focuses on variations of a common pose taught in yoga: Downward-Facing Dog. Downward Dog is one of those poses many feel a love/hate relationship toward. I know the first time I did a Downward-Facing Dog and I heard the yoga instructor say “this is a resting pose” I almost laughed out loud!

To me, it felt like anything but restful. It can be uncomfortable at first, to say the least. One way to curb the discomfort, but still receive the calming, grounding, and stretching benefits is by adapting the pose to meet your body’s needs. Meeting your body where it is and not where you think it should be can allow for building stability in the body and flexibility of the mind. It can also help curb distraction caused by pain or discomfort. Perhaps you find that stability in the variation and with time, move on to another version. Or maybe you stay where you are because that is what you need. Remember, whether you practice this pose in a class or on your own, it’s your body. Your yoga. There is strength in honoring what your body needs, no matter the variation.

In Gratitude,

Lisa