The Same, But Different
This week’s inspiration comes by way of the past 200HR Yoga Teacher Training weekend.
It’s very common that aspiring yoga teachers start to wonder what’s “right and wrong” about the postures. Let me first say that my philosophy around this is that there’s “an essence to each posture” which leaves a lot of space for accessibility and play. It’s common that when we learn something we want definite answers but often the response to what’s right and wrong, around yoga postures, begins with “well, it depends…”
Over my education and experience with yoga I’ve learned that an experience in the pose is never the same. We are living, breathing beings with hearts, minds, and souls and these factors alone will change the experience. Add to the equation, our changing physical form, external factors, and the pose that came before it, and the result is never the same. So, while your Warrior I may appear the same – if you were to take a still – your experience will not be.
This is why yoga never loses its zest. When you come to understand that the physical shapes you create within the practice are just the tip of iceberg, your lens for exploration widens greatly! (And we haven’t even considered the other limbs of yoga yet.)
Isn’t this true of life. At times we find ourselves in the same place, situation, connecting with the same people, but it’s always different. What if we intentionally returned to the same place, at the same time, every day for 30 days? Do you think it would be the same experience each time? Absolutely not. Sounds, smells, feelings, and thoughts would change, and this new information would change our experience.
This week we are exploring consistency to capture our varying experiences.
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: Our practice this week is to practice the same pose every day. Choose a pose that brings you joy, and you have the confidence to return to each day. Once you find the pose, breath in it, close your eyes if you can, and allow yourself to take in the experience. If you can, practice that same pose, at the same time each day, in the same spot and record what you noticed during that practice.
Journaling Suggestion: If you’ve journaled throughout your week, go back and read your entries before you begin your reflection. If you did not, maybe take time at the end of the week to reflect on some experiences that stood out throughout the practice.
Join us on the floor. If exploring the practice of yoga has been on your mind our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training is an excellent 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. Looking for more details? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
With gratitude,
-Stephanie