Yes, I know, a yoga instructor really shouldn’t express bad feelings toward a yoga pose. 🧘♀️
But I can’t help it. Even though Horse Pose/Goddess/Vatayanasana has great benefits — opens hips, builds lower body strength, and improves balance — I have always loathed this pose. 😩
I probably hate it because it’s difficult, and takes me out of my comfort zone. But here’s the really bad part — unless somebody requests it, I never instruct it in my classes.
And this gives me points to ponder. 🤔 By not teaching it, am I depriving others of a pose that really does have good benefits and that someone else may love? Is it wrong to avoid teaching it just because it’s not one of my favorites? 🤷♀️
Some yogis say, “If you hate it, it means you need it,” They may also say, “find comfort in discomfort.” Actually, I’m pretty sure I have heard myself say both of those things, so isn’t it time I start practicing what I preach? 😬
I realize I need an attitude adjustment when dealing with poses that aren’t my favorites. Here’s my plan: 1. Smile instead of grimacing before the pose. 2. Remind myself of the benefits as I move into it. 3. Replace the hate with gratitude that I can practice this pose. 4. Teach Horse (and any other disliked poses) in my classes.
Just a reminder that we never stop learning, growing, and adapting— and that is a wonderful part of our yoga practice. 🧘♀️
