Have you ever been under the impression that if you move a certain way, it could have serious negative consequences?

For instance, if you let your knees bend past your toes…

or your elbows lock out when bearing weight?

I remember when a teacher warned me against spinal flexion in forward bends, implying that if I wasn’t careful, my discs would surely explode out of my back.

Picture this.

You just taught an amazing class themed around hip mobility. You kept sun salutations to a minimum, breaking them up with smaller, more isolated movements. You brought new life to the usual passive stretches, introducing students to hip CARs, “active” pigeon and 90/90 before integrating that work into standing postures with an emphasis on control through different ranges of motion. The practice finished with some gentle breathwork and relaxation.

Students appeared to love it. They worked hard without having to bend themselves into pretzels. The practice helped them find a deep awareness through movement, connecting them to a sense of purposeful presence as they learned more about their individual capacities. Several people thanked you after class and said they look forward to the next time they get to practice with you.

After class, you’re walking past the changeroom door when you overhear the comment:

“That felt good, but it wasn’t yoga.”

Have you ever wondered how to teach a class where everything just fits together, where the movements complement each other perfectly and lead people toward an experience full of “ah-ha” moments that keeps them coming back forever and ever?

“Hi Cecily! I was in your workshop Friday night at 1.1. Thank you so much for the insight and inspiration! I had a question I thought of as soon as I left the studio. Thinking about assists. What is your theory on them? I noticed you didn’t assist any of us in the workshop. Do you assist your students when you know their bodies well? Do you teach your teachers to assist? And when do you offer that assist? (When a student is doing a pose incorrectly? To enhance the students’ experience of the pose? Etc)”