Adjustments in Practice

Students often tell me how much they enjoy adjustments. Not everyone likes them though, and I’ve come to recognize even before asking permission when not to touch someone. In the instances where it’s OK, I’ve witnessed not only the physical satisfaction of moving into a new place, but an emotional satisfaction as well.

Circa 2006-2009 I remember receiving adjustments and experiencing the latter. Before your mind runs away with this statement, let me explain. I was going through a difficult time in life: separation, divorce, job loss, relocation and career transition. A whole heap of mess that was my life at the time. All the while, I maintained my yoga practice and entered into teacher training. It was in class that I received the most nurturing and encouraging gestures from teachers in the form of adjustments in my postures that transcended into understanding, acceptance and compassion for my circumstance unbeknownst to them. While physically I was guided into new places, the openings in my body that resulted provided an emotional release that I couldn’t explain until now.

Teaching has allowed me to have conversations with students which have become a source of personal revelation. It is true that physical blockages and mental ones (fear, etc) prevent us from releasing emotionally the gunk and grime that represent tragic circumstances. These things are firmly attached to the physical body and need to be released. Humans are created to exist co-dependently, for good reason. Sure with determination I can overcome calamity on my own, but with the help of someone else – even with the lightest touch I can overcome so much more, and boy is it meaningful. I believe it’s the intention behind the adjustment; what the teacher sees in the student when administering. When I give an adjustment, it’s usually because I observe that the student can go deeper, or that with a little nudge they can find an elusive nuance. My intentions are simple, yet the impacts at times are inexplicable. I’m not being haughty here, and I hope that you understand where I’m coming from with that statement.

Touch is powerful, and I remember Baron Baptiste saying in teacher training, “It is a serious matter to put your hands on someone” therefore I do not give adjustments to people I don’t know well or who are dealing with sickness and injury. When situations permit and with consent of the student, I will adjust realizing that it has the potential to open and release deeper levels. Students continue teach me so much about this practice. Thank you!