Beyond the Shape
It’s natural. When we first discover the physical practice of yoga we become keenly dialed into the shape of the posture. It makes sense as we must walk before we run. However, if we keep practicing, if we keep arriving on our mat we begin to understand that the shapes made with the body in our physical practice holds so much more.
Yoga postures offer an exploration of our body. As we move, or are guided, into – and out of – each posture we can explore the range of motion in our joints and capacity in our tissues.
They allow us to celebrate our strengths and improve our weaknesses in our tissues and joints and provide opportunity to work through some of the “sticky” areas to find movement and release.
Yoga postures teach us to steady the breath, even when things get hard. Once we realize how much we hold our breath in difficult postures, we begin the act of keeping it steady instead. After practice, this skill moves off the mat with us into daily life. Giving us the support of the breath is all life’s situations.
Yoga postures help clear the mind. Engaging our bodies with intention takes focus and this allows us to let go of the conversation in our own heads. With each detail, we create the shape of the pose, while we soften the internal chatter.
In the end, the posture is never just a shape. It’s a container for presence.
Our yoga postures remain a place to learn ourselves. A practice that keeps unfolding long after we step off the mat.
Let’s move Beyond the Shape in our practices this week:
Suggested Breathwork – Set a timer for 5mins. Then take a yoga posture that you feel soft in, one that you can remain in for up to 5mins. Take the time to set in a way that you feel the least amount of distraction. Begin to find the awareness of your breath for about 10-15 breaths. Deepen the quality with Ujjayi or Ocean Breath for the remainder of the time. Focus on the internal sound and vibration from the breathwork.
Suggested Asana Practice: Provide yourself a 10-15min warm-up prior to beginning any of the below suggested practice for your week. Move at a pace that feels natural to you, pause in postures, lean into the experience you are having, use your breath to help you through any challenges.
Extended Child’s > Thunderbolt > Dancing Lateral Extension > Table Top > Cat/Cow > Dancing Camel > (Thread the Needle > Supported Side Plank > Low Lunge > Half Split > Cow’s Face Legs > Pigeon > Three-Legged Dog > Standing Forward Fold > Half Sun Salutations): Repeat O/S > Extended Child’s > Supine Twist > Savasana
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being.
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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 which begins in March 2026. Book a Meet & Greet with Stephanie to learn more!
Questions? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
Let’s grow collectively,
-Stephanie
PS: Our Yoga Inspiration is now bigger and better. Join the Yoga Inspiration Collective! Find us on our new Instagram Channel @yoga_inspiration_collective
What is the Yoga Inspiration Collective? A community that encourages curiosity and education about yoga. 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.