Four elements of yoga alignment
I’ve identified four elements that come together to create what we might refer to as “good alignment.” Those four things are: safety, intention, the practitioner’s body, and the style of yoga practice. Those elements converge to create an idea of what the alignment is supposed to be and/or why you’re choosing to do it.
SafetyWe’re trying to create some sense of safety. By that, I mean not letting somebody put their body in a position where they are overstressing something.
IntentionYou’re trying to create a particular situation, a sensation like lengthening maybe, or an emphasis in a specific pose for that person.
Practitioner’s bodyThat includes their skill level, kinesthetic sense, history of injuries, how they use their body in their day-to-day life, etc.
Style of yogaSpecific styles of yoga sometimes have differing opinions on what a triangle looks like, for example, or how you’re supposed to set up your feet in a particular pose.
Is yoga “safer” if everything is in alignment?
Let’s talk more generally about yoga alignment and safety. Equating the “right” yoga alignment with perfect safety is another of those alignment myths. It’s another idea that I’ve been hearing from students as I travel. Specifically, I mean that I sometimes hear from folks in the yoga community an idea that we can make yoga perfectly safe by using the right alignment. And of course, that just isn’t true. What’s missing in that idea is the understanding that everyone doing yoga is an individual and has an experience unique to that moment. “Safe” is specific to each person. And so is the “right” alignment.