Adapting to Change Through Yoga
Have you ever wondered why yoga feels different each time you step onto the mat? Yoga is a journey, not a destination, and no two moments in that journey are ever the same. No one has a perfect body. No one has a perfect hip, a perfect knee, or perfect balance. Everything is constantly moving and changing. The first time you practice a posture is different from the second or the third. Is your left side different from your right? Of course, it is—everything is always evolving.
In yoga, we often hear the word “alignment,” but what does it really mean? Alignment is not about forcing the body into a state of perfect symmetry. The body is not designed to be perfectly symmetrical—look at your organs, like the liver, stomach, or heart; they are naturally asymmetrical. Alignment is about respecting the body’s unique design and working in harmony with its natural structure, without trying to change it.
This is where props become invaluable tools. Props, such as the wall, blocks, or belts, are not there to make the pose easier or harder. The wall, or any prop, becomes a teacher—it gives you information about your body. It shows you where there is space and where there is stiffness. This information is invaluable; it helps prevent injuries and allows us to challenge the body in a safer, more intelligent way.
When you approach your practice, take a moment to check in with yourself. Look at your condition today and choose the prop that helps you the most. Adjust the posture to match the needs of your body in this moment. If your shoulder feels uncomfortable, make the necessary changes. Allow the head and body to work together with awareness to arrive at what is best for you right now.
The body gives us a reality check—it is a far more reliable source of information than the mind. The mind can wander in endless directions, creating doubts: “Is this pain? Am I overthinking? Is it fear?” The body, however, speaks plainly, offering honest and clear feedback. By listening to the body, we can ground ourselves and develop a deeper understanding of reality as it truly is.
Even the seasons teach us how to work with the body and mind. Winter invites stillness, which we call Tamas in yoga philosophy—a sense of rest and inertia. But too much stillness can lead to stagnation. By adding movement—what we call Rajas, or energy—you create balance and awaken both the body and the mind. For instance, practicing Vashistasana with movement, stepping forward and back, is a beautiful way to activate this energy.
Your body, like everything in nature, is in a state of constant change. There is no fixed, unchanging state. Just as the world around us transforms, so does the human body. There is no moment when everything is perfectly in balance. This ongoing change is not something to fight; it is something to adapt to. Yoga teaches us to respond to this impermanence with awareness, sensitivity, and skill.
Finally, remember that the body and mind are not separate. They are deeply intertwined. By working with the body—whether through movement, relaxation, or breathing exercises—you begin to access the mind. In the end, they are one.
Yoga is not about achieving perfection. It is about learning to adapt, to honor change, and to align yourself with the truth of the present moment. Let your practice be a dialogue between your body and mind—a conversation rooted in awareness and growth.
