Coming Into Alignment
Within our yoga practice there are two different ways to consider alignment.
For many of us who move through a physical practice, the term alignment first evokes thoughts around the positioning of the body. Are my feet in the correct orientation? Is my spine long? Are my shoulders stacked over my wrists? We often think of alignment as the blueprint of a posture. It is very much about the external shape looks and whether we are “doing it right.” If you read last week’s Yoga Inspiration, we explored that there are many ways to experience the essence of a posture, and I encourage you to continue to explore in the physical body this way.
However, this week we are also focusing on inner alignment. When we approach alignment from both perspectives, outer form and inner truth, yoga becomes a practice of personal integration. What is inner alignment becomes expressed by means of the body. ‘A person suffering lower-back pain whenever they sit down experiences a complete reprieve of their symptoms when they realize that it’s about where they’re sitting and they quit their desk job to open a business.’
In yoga philosophy, we talk about duḥkha, suffering or unease. This is meant to remind us that suffering is part of the human experience. It arises when we cling to what changes, when we resist what is, or when we forget our personal truths. I’ve come to learn that suffering is inevitable, I have not found a way not to suffer. Perhaps the focus then becomes less on what to do about the suffering and more about what to do with it. Maybe we listen and take the time to see what it is communicating to us. How the suffering is trying to guide us towards change. Perhaps we change our mindset and look at pain and suffering as more of a tool to understand where we are and where we need to go.
And then there is the soul – our deepest self. To sit with the soul is to face our truth. It’s not always comfortable, because truth can ask us to change. Perhaps the pain and suffering we experience is a way to see into our soul.
This is why the inner work matters, even when it feels hard or painful. We can think of it as the journey of our own integration. Where the body, mind, and soul are in a continuous conversation with each other. The key here is we need to listen.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being. Use yoga props as suits your practice.
Asana Practice: this week I encourage to you take this practice away from the mirror and camera. Lights low, if music is calling you, choose something more meditative. Take time in the postures to listen to your body.
Supine (perhaps start with the meditation below) > Half-Wind Relieving (R/L) > Bananasana (R/L) > Side Lying Position > Seated Easy Pose > Seated Cat/Cow > Staff > Head to Knee (R) > Rockstar > Head to Knee (L) > Rockstar > Child’s Pose > Side Lying > Savasana
Meditation Suggestion: use this meditative practice to bring awareness to some of the subtle areas of the body and explore the communication coming to you.
- Lie on your back in a comfortable place. Support yourself in any way you need; pillow, blanket, etc.
- Take in 5 deep breaths through the nose, exhale through the mouth and make an audible “Awwwwwe”.
- Begin to bring your attention to the first part of the body that calls you. Rather than focusing on what to do about the sensation, ask yourself why the sensation is there.
- Find 2 more places on the body that call to you and listen to what it’s saying to you.
Have you heard the exciting news? Our Yoga Inspiration is now bigger and better. Join the Yoga Inspiration Collective! A collective that encourages curiosity and education about yoga. This community we will explore principles that help you move from uncertainty and self-doubt to confidence and clarity. You will be part of a community that helps you become more confident and clearer, grounded and consistent in practice, present on and off your mat, connected in community.
Join us on the floor. If exploring the practice of yoga has been on your mind our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training is an in-depth way to dive in, explore the practice, explore yourself, and have the certification to teach others to do the same. Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training beginning January 2026 and become a Certified Yoga Teacher.
Questions? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
Let’s grow collectively,
-Stephanie