Observe. Assess. Act.
At Big Heart Yoga, we believe in creating a space where students can explore their practice with confidence and safety, while also deepening their connection to the energetic body. Assists and adjustments are an integral part of this journey, helping students find proper alignment while guiding the flow of prana, or life force, through the body.
From September 20th - 22nd 2024 I was in London at the wonderful Indaba studio near Marylebone, attending a 20HR advance teacher training with Stewart Gilchrist. Below is just a small overview and reflection of what was shared.
Making a Class a Safe Space for Adjustments
Along with clear consent, the foundation of offering effective assists begins with creating a safe and supportive environment. This approach is rooted in three core principles: observe, assess, and act (or not act).
Observe: As teachers, we must first carefully observe our students’ posture, breath, and energy. Understanding their alignment before offering any physical or verbal cue ensures that any adjustment is appropriate and respectful of the student’s body.
Assess: Once we have observed, we assess whether an adjustment will enhance the student's practice or disrupt their flow. Alignment is particularly key along the spine and the Shushumna Nadi, the central channel through which prana flows. A balanced alignment in the body allows for a balanced flow of energy.
Act (or not act): Sometimes the most powerful action is inaction, allowing the student to explore their own path within the posture. If an assist is necessary, it should always be done with mindfulness, ensuring that it empowers rather than forces the student.
The Power of Assists in Key Postures
Physical assists can help students deepen their practice by finding more alignment, comfort, and strength. Here are examples of effective assists in key poses:
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog): Lengthen the spine by gently lifting the hips and ground the heels with a soft press, encouraging a deeper stretch in the legs.
Virabhadrasana A (Warrior I): Guide the back hip forward for pelvic alignment, while gently lifting the ribcage to open the heart.
Hasta Padangusthasana (Hand to Big Toe Pose): Offer a supportive hand to the extended leg and relax the shoulders to prevent tension.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold): Use body weight to gently encourage the spine to lengthen while grounding the lower back.
Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulder Stand): Support the cervical spine by lengthening the neck, and stabilise the legs to create vertical alignment.
In all adjustments, it’s important to work with the student’s breath—using the inhale to elevate and the exhale to soften into deeper expressions of the posture.
Aligning Chakras Through Asana
Yoga is not just about physical alignment—it’s about energetic alignment too. The spine plays a central role in both, acting as the channel for energy to flow through the chakras. When we align the spine, we create a clearer pathway for prana to move from the Muladhara (Root Chakra) at the base of the spine to the Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) at the top.
Grounding poses like Tadasana help to stabilise the Root Chakra, offering balance and security.
Hip-openers like Malasana encourage the release of emotional energy, supporting the Sacral Chakra.
Core-strengthening postures like Navasana activate the Solar Plexus, strengthening inner power.
Heart-opening poses like Ustrasana allow for emotional release and expansion in the Heart Chakra.
Proper alignment in inversions such as Sarvangasana ensures clear communication and balance at the Throat Chakra.
Meditative poses like Balasana guide students inward to their intuition, connecting with the Third Eye Chakra.
Finally, in Savasana, students can experience the flow of prana from root to crown, tapping into the universal energy through the Crown Chakra.
By focusing on spinal alignment, engaging the bandhas, and using breath to guide energy, we can deepen both the physical and energetic aspects of the practice, helping students not just move better, but feel better in their bodies.
At Big Heart Yoga, we honour the body, breath, and energy of every student, supporting their unique journey through mindful assists and energetic alignment. Whether you're deepening your practice or exploring it for the first time, our focus is always on creating a space for healing, balance, and growth.
I’d like to share my gratitude to Stewart for his teachings and to all of the other participants for a really engaging & empowering weekend.
