From Our Mat…
Understanding and appreciating the use of Props in yoga practice.
The widely popular and innovative use of props in yoga practic was introduced by Guruji BKS Iyengar to be used not as shortcuts or crutches, but as tools for deeper understanding and precision. It is rooted in the principle that yoga should be available to everyone, regardless of their current flexibility, strength, or physical limitations. Props help bridge the gap between a practitioner’s present ability and the intended form of a pose, allowing the body to open gradually and safely while maintaining proper alignment.
The use of props in Iyengar Yoga represents a compassionate and intelligent approach to practice. Rather than forcing the body into positions it’s not ready for, props allow for gradual, safe progression while maintaining the integrity of each asana. They democratize yoga, making its profound benefits available to all bodies, and serve as powerful teaching tools that enhance understanding of alignment, action, and awareness. As Guruji BKS Iyengar demonstrated throughout his life, props are not signs of weakness but instruments of wisdom, enabling practitioners to practice with intelligence, safety, and depth at every stage of their yoga journey.
Accessibility: Props make a pose available where otherwise it may not be. Beginners, elderly practitioners, those with injuries, and people with physical limitations who might otherwise be excluded from practice.
Precision and Alignment: Props help practitioners understand and achieve correct alignment, which is fundamental to the Iyengar method. Proper alignment prevents injury and ensures that the benefits of each pose are fully realized.
Longer Holds: With proper support, students can hold poses longer, allowing for fuller experience of the pose and greater therapeutic benefit.
Confidence Building: Props provide security and stability, allowing students to explore poses they might otherwise fear or avoid.
Therapeutic Applications: Props are essential in therapeutic yoga, enabling modified practices for specific conditions such as back pain, arthritis, or cardiovascular issues.
Progressive Learning: As practitioners advance, props can be used in different ways to deepen the practice and explore more challenging variations.
It is important to understand that props are not only for beginners in helping learn and access the pose but a tool for advanced and experienced practitioners to deepen, strengthen, and reach further in their practice
Practical Applications
In a typical Iyengar class, props are used strategically throughout the sequence. For example:
- Blocks under the hands in Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) help maintain the lift of the chest and length of the spine
- A belt around the feet in Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) allows the spine to lengthen rather than round
- Blankets under the shoulders in Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) protect the neck and allow for proper cervical curve
- A chair can transform Headstand (Sirsasana) into an accessible inversion for those not ready for the full pose
- A Teardrop cushion to help open the chest and spine without any risk, stress, or injury
Sometimes we resist props because we think that makes us ‘less’ or ‘not good enough’. Yoga practice is about overcoming the ego and moving past the performance pressure. It teaches us to be attentive and intelligent in our practice. Props are the tools to help the modern bodies settle into and move forward in their practice.
So what do you think? Write to us and let us know!
With gratitude,
Varsha & Satya
Images showing effective use of props!
Basic Props: Mat, blankets, blocks, strap!
Using a block & strap to stand firm and tall!
Using a chair for backward extension!
Rope wall for Downward Dog!
Chair to deepen back extension!
Wall supported half headstand!
An amazing restorative pose using props!
Pose Spotlight: Vrksasana (Tree Pose)
Balance, whether in a pose or in life’s actions, thoughts, or approach; is conscious snd deliberate. It is a state that reqires constant effort. Balance is elusive and needs to be actively sought; only to lose it again and regained. Every breath we take, thought we think, action we take, affects balance. The mind and body are constantly recaliberating to maintain and hold the equilibrium
Vrksasana, the TreePose, teaches grounding, standing tall, and staying balanced, all at the same time! It is an active balancing pose promoting mental discipline and physical strength.
Guruji BKS Iyengar emphasized that this asana is a test of equilibrium that requires you to stay completely grounded while extending your spine upward.
Would you practice this pose with the intention of finding the rooting, the aspiration, and balance on the mat; then taking it off the mat into life?
How do you like your Tree?
Teacher Spotlight
Pavithra has been with YogaSukham since October 2020. Since then she has been a committed practitioner, avid learner, enthusiastic participant, and an affectionate, warm, happy presence in and around the studio!
In her own words “I joined YogaSukham to practice and know about yoga but what I found was community, confidence, and a chance to share what I learnt. Along the way I also gained more experience from the amazing teachers and fellow yogis and yoginis
Relaxing and taking a break were mere words till I started putting them into practice with the tools and guidance gained at YogaSukham! I am so thankful that I gave myself a chance by becoming a part of this wonderful institution
I currently focus on practicing Yoga, trying new recipes, traveling and reading”
Pavithra lives with her husband, and has a son and a daughter.
Fun Facts about Pavithra:
– Pavithra has studied Psychology & English literature in college, is interested in Astrology, and has tried her hand at drawing, painting, crochet and sports.
– She loves reading and watching criminal mysteries and solving them!
– She once auditioned for a Malyalam movie!
– Her great grandfather was the first judge at Madras High Court during the British rule in India!
Practitioner Spotlight
Abhay N has been a dedicated YogaSukham practitioner since 2019. Till date he has had over a thousand practices at YogaSukham making him one of the more consistent practitioner.
Abhay makes us proud of his committment; to the practice, to his health, to his constant growth. He is one of the regular workshop attendees and joins us for his favorite Rope Wall workshops and classes anytime he can.
In his own words, “Over the period of my continuing stay I have improved physically in my flexibility, stability and strength.
I have also experienced improvement in being more patient, calm and at peace.”
“I wish all the teachers the very best so that they continue to impart such great teachings to anyone who wishes to explore yoga.“
Thank you for being part of YogaSukham Abhay! We wish you continued progress and good health!
Shout out to Mary Redding!
Mary maintained a 30 day streak of SarvangAsana for the month of June! She made sure to practice it either in the studio or at home, and tracked it regularly. Yay! Huge committment and dedication Mary! Congratulations! Very proud of you 🙂
Upcoming Events and Workshops!
SoundBath 7/25
Rope Wall Workshop 7/26
Learn from the Master
Happy July Birthdays!
We wish you a very happy birthday and a great year ahead!
Gajveer S
Danvi G
Basanti D
Srushti D
Rakesh R
Michael Hoelzl
Ravi P
Lisa R
Pictures from our Anniversary Class!
As we mature, evolve, adapt, and tune ourselves to the needs of our community, we welcome your suggestions, thoughts, and ideas. If you would like to share them with us, please email info@YogaSukham.com – we truly appreciate it.
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Brought to you by Sonali & Varsha
A truly superb editorial on the use of props! I, too, once subscribed to the notion that props were for novices.. until experience, and conversations with Varsha and Satya, gently dismantled that illusion over time. Now I see them as instruments that help us meet the practice with honesty.
Congratulations to Abhay on the practitioner spotlight, and to Mary (yay!) for her remarkable June streak. So nice to see you both featured…
Also, excuse me? Pavithra ⭐️!!
The Malayalam film industry’s loss is Yogasukham’s luminous gain; we are fortunate to have a ‘star’ teacher in our circle, and I can’t be more delighted!
Another beautifully crafted newsletter from Yogasukham!