Summary

In this episode, Lauren discusses the power of hands-on assists in yoga. She shares her personal experience with hands-on assists and how it led her to explore trauma-informed yoga and consent tools. Lauren explains the benefits of hands-on assists, such as increasing proprioception, creating trust and connection, and revealing the energetic dynamics of a pose. However, she also highlights the disadvantages, including the risk of harm, focusing on external aesthetics over internal experience, and creating codependency. Lauren emphasizes the importance of consent and provides different types of assists and adjustments. She concludes by inviting listeners to her hands-on assist workshop.

Takeaways

• Hands-on assists can be beneficial in yoga by increasing proprioception, creating trust and connection, and revealing the energetic dynamics of a pose.


• However, there are also disadvantages to hands-on assists, such as the risk of harm, focusing on external aesthetics over internal experience, and creating codependency.


• Consent is crucial when giving hands-on assists, and there are various ways to obtain consent, including consent cards, verbal consent, and ongoing communication.


• Different types of assists and adjustments can be used, including verbal assists, self-assists, stabilizing assists, deepening assists, and PNF assists.


• Teachers should prioritize safety, professionalism, and individualization when giving hands-on assists.


• Hands-on assists are not necessary to be a great yoga teacher, but they can enhance teaching and create more impactful and supportive yoga experiences.

Chapters