Why Using Yoga Props is an Act of Self Love
Yoga props can be incredibly useful on the yoga mat, especially as you age. Props support your practice, making the floor closer when you can’t reach, creating ease in your muscles when you stretch, and more. However, when you are just starting out, using props can seem like a crutch, and not something that an experienced yogi would use. This assumption would be wrong.
As a perfectionist, being seen as a beginner or not knowing something can be emotionally uncomfortable. Not knowing shows that you aren’t perfect and tarnishes the perfect facade you are attempting to maintain. The fact that none of us are perfect and everyone is human and might need support is a more loving stance to take.
You might struggle with receiving support. It can be hard to ask for help, even when it’s offered. It's easy to see props as unnecessary when you "don't need help" and are "just fine." You are just fine. You may also benefit from support in your poses.
This is why I believe that using yoga props is a way to practice self love. Yoga props allow you to be in the body that you have and practice yoga safely and comfortably. Their main purpose is to support you during our practice so that you can let go of unnecessary struggle or strain. The props aren't judging you and neither is anyone else in your yoga class, in case you were wondering.
Why Props?
You might have certain muscles that are tighter, or weaker. You might lack the range of motion or stability that allows you to create poses that look like the teacher. How you look doesn’t matter. What matters is how the pose feels, and how you feel holding the pose.
Props allow you to experience the pose in YOUR body, just as you are, as we start to cultivate strength and mobility. The beauty of practicing yoga is that it is accessible to everyone, it just may look different between practitioners. A specific hip stretch may look differently in different bodies, but the sensation is the same.
The "no pain, no gain" mentality from the ‘80s does not apply to practicing yoga. When pushing or forcing yourself into a pose, you come up against mental and/or physical resistance. If you keep pushing, you will end up injured. This is not treating your body lovingly.
I often refer to the body as a rebellious teenager: when you force your body to do something, it pushes back. When you give it a little space and a little breath, it will eventually cooperate with you. It might not be on the timeline that you like, but it will eventually do what you want it to do.
When you give your body the support that it needs, you will benefit more from the yoga poses, as you are cultivating more ease and acceptance in the body and mind. Finding the balance of strength and ease is the goal. Props allow you to practice the “ease” part so that you can focus on the strength (and balance) part.
Yoga is a loving practice
You move your body to feel stronger, more flexible, and more peaceful when you get off the mat and back into your life. Taking care of your body in this way can be seen as an act of self care and self love.
Using props in your yoga practice enhances your ability to meet yourself where you are. Just because someone else in the class can touch their toes and you can't, doesn't mean that you are not "as good" at yoga. Everyone has a body and is on their own journey. If you allow yourself to use props on that journey, you will find more ease and comfort in your practice.
The balance of Strength and Ease is important. If your hamstrings are tight (for example), using a strap or scarf to help you reach your foot can help improve your ability to stretch the hamstrings, rather than struggling and straining and forcing yourself forward; whenever you force the body into any pose, you increase the risk of injury.
As humans, we are master compensators. If your hamstrings are tight, it’s common to round the spine to try to reach forward. Not only does this bypass the hamstring stretch, it focuses the stretch on the lower back, which is usually weak when you have tight hamstrings (and conversation for another day). Using a strap so that you can keep your spine straight will allow you to stretch your hamstrings without compensation.
If you plan to practice yoga for as long as possible (like I do), mindful attention to how you practice is essential. Injuries happen when the mind or ego is running the show: Do more! Go further! Push harder! She can do that, so can I!
Listening to your body and honoring what it can do today makes for a safer and more beneficial practice. Respect your body and use props when you need them. Over time, you may need them less or more, and that may change, even day to day. Props are not a judgement, and they don’t make you a “better” or “worse” yogis.
Be more loving toward your self by giving your body the support it deserves. Notice how that feels.
What is your experience with props? Do you use them? Do you avoid them? What are your beliefs surrounding using or not using props? Comment below!
The Yoga Over 50 Starter Kit will get you started in your yoga practice with a bit of extra wisdom from a seasoned yoga practitioner. When you are Over 50, keeping up your strength, balance, and mobility becomes even more important for aging as well as you can. That’s why I put this Starter Kit together to support you in your journey aging as gracefully as possible.
This starter kit includes:
3 Videos:
Props Are Your Friends!: how to use Yoga blocks, straps, and blankets in your practice
Yoga Basics Video: a short yoga practice for beginners to stretch, strengthen, and balance.
Empower Your Movement: Why Yoga for Active Aging: a webinar on the benefits of practicing yoga as you age.
2 eBooks:
Top 10 Things to Know Before Attending Your First Yoga Class: 10 things to keep in mind to make your first class (or any class) more enjoyable and beneficial.
Yoga Tips for More Confidence On the Mat: practical tips and things to think about when practicing poses to get the most out of each pose.
Click the button below to get your Yoga Over 50 Starter Kit!
Great article and advice to all , Janine . hugs and peace too you and family
I love my yoga strap and block. They are so helpful and make me feel more confident as I begin practicing yoga more often now. One thing I do need is a good mat, I tend to use my carpet as a mat.