As many of you know, I’ve been teaching yoga for decades. Over the years, I’ve learned that teaching is as much a practice for me as it is for my students. Every time I step onto my mat to teach, I’m also learning—growing as a teacher and a practitioner.
This year, I’ve committed to a new approach in my teaching: monthly themes. It’s a chance for me (and you) to focus on one Yoga posture, explore its variations, and weave it into the broader tapestry of life by linking it to an Ayurveda topic. While repetition can feel monotonous at times, it’s through this consistency that we find growth, healing, and clarity.
What's the posture this month?
I’ve chosen Salamba Sarvangasana, or Shoulder Stand, as our posture focus. It’s a powerful pose with profound benefits, some of which include:
Regulation of Hormones: Shoulder Stand stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, promoting hormonal balance.
Circulation and Detoxification: The inversion supports venous return and lymphatic drainage, enhancing detoxification.
Calming the Nervous System: The pose helps shift the body into a parasympathetic state, fostering relaxation and reducing stress
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to master the full expression of Shoulder Stand to experience its benefits. I specifically chose Shoulder Stand for another reason—it’s a posture I’m currently unable to practice in it's full expression, due to a shoulder injury. This limitation has been a teacher in itself, reminding me to approach my practice with humility and creativity. So whether you use a block, place your feet on the wall, or practice a restorative variation, you’re still reaping rewards.
Remember, Yoga isn’t about achieving perfection in a posture—it’s about showing up, listening to your body, and honouring where you are today. Yoga is an opportunity to connect deeply with yourself, build discipline, and cultivate a practice of regulation. Which leads me into this month's Ayurveda topic of dinacharya, and the healing power of consistent incremental progress.
Dinacharya, a Sanskrit term, that translates to “daily routine.” It relates the rhythm of your life, even if you’re not fully aware of it, and the rhythm in nature. For example: You wake up every day, you brush your teeth daily, you eat meals, etc. These routines are part of your existing dinacharya.
The beauty of this concept lies in your refinement of your daily routine, (a.k.a. the choices you make day in and day out). By tweaking and adjusting your daily habits—slowly, with intention—you can shift toward daily practices that uplift and support you. This isn’t about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about baby steps: replacing what doesn’t serve you with actions that promote harmony and balance.
At its core, yoga is a tool for self-regulation. It helps balance our bodies, minds, and energy. It’s a reminder to pause, breathe, and respond to life’s demands with intention.
When we align our practices with the principles of dinacharya, we create a foundation for holistic well-being. A consistent morning routine, mindful daily movement, regular meals, and quality sleep are all acts of self-care. They’re not luxuries—they’re necessities for living a balanced, harmonious life.
As we explore Salamba Sarvangasana this month, I invite you to check in with your beliefs about the posture—and about yourself. Are you approaching your mat practice with fear, frustration, or curiosity? Can you soften your expectations of what you think you must do and instead practice trusting your intuition?
If you find yourself facing physical, mental, or emotional barriers, I encourage you to view them as opportunities. What can you learn from these challenges? How can you adapt your practice to meet your current needs? Yoga isn’t about pushing through pain or discomfort; it’s about cultivating a deeper awareness of yourself.
Remember, progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, trying, and embracing the journey. Life is full of challenges, but it’s also full of tools and opportunities for growth. Yoga and Ayurveda remind us to respond to these challenges in ways that support our unique wholeness.
See you on the mat soon,
xoM
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