Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Variations and Not Modifications

Natalia Tabilo in black sleeveless shirt and leggings
laying on side, supported by blocks, bolsters 


by Natalia Tabilo


Saying "modifications" perpetuates the idea that you're not doing a 100% yoga, that a full expression of the pose exists, that there is a goal when the invitation of yoga is to be with yourself, with your mind and body in this very moment. That's why I invite you to say "variations" and not modifications because everything is 100% yoga!

Since I started practicing yoga something happens in my body and mind when a teacher says, “if you need to modify” or “if you can't do this,” something similar to a knife through the heart. For so long I felt I was doing less, that I wasn't being able to do and enjoy the “complete expression of the pose,” that I needed to push, work harder in order to achieve that goal of having the gift of doing the complete, full, or traditional posture.

With time, and after becoming a yoga teacher, I've come to realize that apart from how "modify" is said (even though it might come from a place of love it can still be a loaded word) it is when it is offered. It is not that per se the word "modify" is wrong, it is because traditionally the “modification” in yoga comes after the teacher realizes someone is struggling or “can’t do” the traditional version of the pose offered.

This is when things start to get weird, students are singled out, maybe offered some props to go to the rescue (even though those props should have been available and the teachers should have taught how to use them from the beginning), or even worse, students are left out, unseen because the instructor doesn't have the tools to offer adequate variations beforehand. Or a teacher is just not interested in giving options because that person “doesn't belong to the target audience” or their class is not made for that type of student (shockingly, yes, this has been used as an excuse when I’ve asked yoga teachers why they don’t offer choices to students in class.)

That's why I embrace, promote, and encourage that we use the word variation instead of modification, not necessarily as a synonym, because, at least in the way I teach and share yoga, variations are way deeper than offering a modification when someone can't do something. They are synonymous with freedom in your practice, they are a way of honoring and meeting the needs of your body and mind.

Every day is going to be different in our bodies and minds, that's why we need to offer variations, options, exploration, and freedom every single time, without making assumptions, without choosing for our students, it is their practice!

Variations are for all bodies! They are not modifications when someone "can't do" something, they are choices and freedom for your body and mind. And the beautiful thing about variations is that they are for everybody! Anyone can benefit from choosing for themselves! And this freedom on the mat translates to life, in the way we relate with others, in the way we set boundaries and truly know what we want and what we don't.

And remember, just because you live in an able body doesn't mean that you will want to do or you will enjoy the most challenging variation every single practice! Just because you live with a disability doesn't mean that postures like chaturangas, planks, or inversions will not be available, there's always a variation for you! You can choose do a chair practice at any life stage, teenager or senior! You're the owner of your practice.

As I always say: Your body, your practice, that's why as yoga teachers we need to offer the opportunity to explore what feels good, and what your body and mind need at this very moment.


Natalia Tabilo
(She/Her) is a Body Positive 500 RYT yoga teacher, journalist, and the founder of Yoga for All Bodies.™ She was born in Chile and now lives in San Francisco, CA. After feeling left out and unseen in yoga classes, she decided to create Yoga for All Bodies,™ an inclusive and accessible practice based on variations, sensations, and freedom to meet and enjoy your body and mind where you are today. She loves Yoga props and in all her classes variations (not modifications, because everything is 100% Yoga), are offered using them! She truly believes that you don’t have to be thin, young, flexible, or strong to live and own your yoga practice! That’s why she always says “Your body, Your practice.” To fulfill the promise of sharing Yoga for All Bodies,™ she is certified in Vinyasa, Yoga for All, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga, Accessible Yoga, The Roll Model Method, Restorative, Yin, Yoga Nidra, Somatics and Trauma-Informed Yoga. You can know more about her on the website https://yogaforallbodies.com/ and her Instagram @YogaforAllBodies

Natalia Tabilo will be presenting at the Accessible Yoga's Conference Online October 14-17, 2021.

This post was edited by Patrice Priya Wagner, Editor of Accessible Yoga Blog and member of the Board of Directors.

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