1/22/26 YTT Live Session Recording (Conclude Orientation & Module 1 Part 1)

Hi all! I specifically loved exploring the idea that yoga is a resource grown into rather than a practice to master. Yoga has completely shifted my relationship with exercise. Exercise was something I loved but was forced into something to master in college, when I was a collegiate cross country runner. There were very specific training programs to follow to be considered an athlete. I wanted the same for yoga and pilates, when I was introduced years later. It was easier to apply a "mastering training plan" to pilates.

There were times were slowing down enough to experience the practice of yoga and the connection with my body/mind made me literally feel itchy in my skin! I'm very thankful for an amazing instructor who repeated this was a practice of personal growth than one of physical athleticism. Leaning into restorative/yin yoga at the beginning of these experiences helped me to figure out that practice/connection that I was then able to extend to other practices of yoga and pilates with ease. 

It really opened my mindset to being a whole unit with who you are teaching instead of guru vs student, I loved that! Also I never thought about the time constraints and being mindful to have the entire sequence complete in the alloted time for their benefit! 

What stood out for me is the time constraint factor.  Hearing Jen say that some of these groups only have 20-30 minutes of practice time was very humbling.  It reminded me of how different practice environments can be, and to adjust accordingly.

What resonated most about this class for me was the discussion of not presuming slim white female bodies in this practice are inherently bad. While I would never deny my immense privilege as a small white woman with financial means, it paradoxically causes imposter syndrome in activist and counterculture spaces. I question my right to be in them and how Ill be received. That said, it is my own history of institutionalization that naturally calls me, loudly to this work. This idea of post lineage yoga that is healing focused, that is community rather than guru (or teacher) led helps pacify some of the friction that comes up when the "who am I to do this for these people?" runs across my mind.

 What stood out to me from the discussion on Post-lineage yoga was that yoga was for everyone, teachers and students are equal and different and themselves. I feel comfort in knowing that this yoga space is grounded in an 'unconditional positive regard' regardless of how we arrive or our station in life. I was moved by the emphasis on embodiment, what it means to be embodied and its essentialness in self-regulation, presence, and practice. The conversation on movement preparation shifted how I think about our approach to teaching and practice from typical teaching methods to empowering others to be autonomous and encouraging self-possession in learning and movement. 

Everything about the session resonated with me and I´m really excited. Even though this course has already made me aware of some power structures and my role in it ( - which I haven´t chosen but put into by the global society - ) it feels empowering to be a part of this community. Good to hear all the points of view from actually very different standing points.

What stood out was among other things what Jen said about if you don´t feel equal with everyone, you are not ready to teach. It was very strict notion and so simple and true. Also Jen´s notion that who is yoga for? That it is for human beings with a nervous system. Another simple truth! Post-lineage yoga is a new concept and an important point to mention and to make clear. Also grounding and making clear where do we stand! 🙂

Looking forward for the next session. Probably have to participate regularly only to the first part live and second part from the recording, since the time difference is causing a jet lag for me ;-D

I want to start by expressing my gratitude for this program, for Jen, the group and the ability to participate offline.  I am responding with fragments of thoughts that came up during the replay. 

Find my voice, give myself credit for being here.  Breathe and arrive in the space.  There is strength in the tribe.  I am nervous thinking about final project - feelings of inadequency, fear of failure, fear of giving up.  I am noticing my brokenness, selfishness.

I see yoga as a human soul modality not influenced by stereotypes.  I am aware of racial trauma. For me yoga is for everybody. Judgement is limiting.

I notice my resistance to journaling.  It used to be something I used to connect with myself.  Feeling disconnected, struggling to feel motivated and connected to this study.  Struggling with depression but also determined to push past it.

Unconditional Positive Regard, Surrender and Skill in action are my goals.  Samskara - "I'm not good enough, I'm going to fail, give up before the miracle."

I see yoga as deeply personal.  For me I need to examine the history to see how I can best support a post lineage approach.  I respect traditional yoga with Guru.   I believe there is much to learn there about respect, dicipline, humility and gratitude.  Less ego more active listening.  I also respect mainstream yoga for bringing awareness.  I am drawn to the post lineage approach for its inclusiveness and awareness of all participating as a unit.

I love "Healing Centered Yoga" because it sounds solution based rather than Trauma informed which feels to me like I am still bringing light to the problem.

I really enjoyed everyones shares and was happy to see that the breakout rooms made people connect, that is how I felt about the breakouts last cohort, although I was nervous.  Can't wait to participate this Thursday. I am growing into this practice and know that I will never master it.  There is so much to learn as long as I stay open.

I just wrote this whole thing and it got stuck in the ethernet somewhere...so here goes again. Basically, what I was saying is that I am so appreicative of all everything, and everyone is sharing in these sessions and the bravery and honesty and the willingness to lean into discomfort in these conversations. It's a true demonstration of how energy is created in the collective and not individually (behind a computer screen). This idea of leaning into discomfort is the work and something that feels very important for me, at this time. I think I also mentioned how I was struck by the comment someone shared (maybe Monica?) about how there are expectations walking into a Yoga class that it will be "unified" and we all must "keep up." I felt a sigh of relief when she said this because it's a feeling I have often when in practice, and a thought that always pulls me out of my body. I think it is important, as instructors, to name these harmful mindsets from the start, that is not about "looking" like what everyone else is looking like, or how it's not a race to perfection, and that comparison mind is so damaging in any context. That to be trauma-informed is to explicitly state and challenge those common assumptions and perceived expectations in order to allow everyone to show up fully and without questioning their belonging in the space. 

I really connected with so much this week, it was an incredible first lesson! I really connected with the principles of Post-Lineage Yoga and how it focuses on us all coming into the space as equals, that the person alone is the expert on their body, movement, and experience. Furthermore the emphasis on ethical inquiry over movement, this stirred up a lot of emotion in me. I have always felt connected to yoga however struggled to understand why most days because I do not fit the western yoga ideal, so to hear this reminds me that my connection to yoga is deeper than I realized and that I continued to be drawn to this space because ethical inquiry is a value that I connect with so deeply. 

As I watched the video, I appreciated the dialogue around classifying individuals and bodies in yoga. As an able-bodied white woman, it’s helpful to hear how my presence does impact people, and how I can work to counter this experience for people in the ways in which I show up. It is a topic I have been considering very deeply for some time now and it was very helpful to hear other’s thoughts and personal experiences.

Something that is interesting for me when thinking about feeling comfortable in a yoga space is that I remember feeling very out of place in many of my first yoga class experiences. It took me some time of practicing before I started to feel more comfortable and comfortable in doing what feels right for my body. It makes me wonder about the following questions: What it is in so many yoga spaces that makes us feel othered or that we have to be so perfect? And, how do we break that down to create a space that everyone feels comfortable to show up in? What are the spaces that are more welcoming doing right? And, as individual teachers how can we create that in our classes?

When thinking about my intention for the course, first, I hope to show up to more sessions live in the coming weeks! Additionally, I hope that in this space I can continue to be curious. I have been a yoga practitioner for quite some time, however, through this course, I hope to both deepen my own practice and think about how to better share that experience with others. I really want to continue to think about how I show up and how I can make spaces comfortable for others both in yoga and off the mat. I want to be more curious about myself and how I am shaped by my experiences and traumas. Things I am considering are how my practice has supported me so far, but also how can I better utilize my practice to support myself moving forward. In what ways do I resist my practice when I need it or push myself when I need rest?

For this exact intention, I’m excited to dive more into the healing-centered class set-up discussed in session which focuses on an energy awareness first and identifying where you are and what you need, and then moving into the supported activation and self-soothing. Looking forward to working on this more!

Exploring yoga as something we grow into, rather than something we must master, shifts the experience from striving and self-correction to curiosity and self-listening. Instead of measuring progress by poses achieved, the practice becomes a living resource—one that meets us where we are and evolves as we do. In that space, yoga stops being a goal and starts becoming a journey.

Thanks Jen, I really enjoyed listening to the last 90 minutes of this session. the standout for me was how different the delivery approach is for trauma informed yoga to my area of work and how more welcoming and inclusive it will be for participants. it also reassures me that my unpolished technique is ok even when entering yoga teacher training space! looking forward to starting with movement this evening. 

As a current 200HR RYT who learned Hatha, I loved everything about this first lecture. It is all of the things that I was hoping and more. When you (Jen) said that you didn't even name postures until week 3- I loved that! Yoga students tend to be so focused on mastering poses or doing something "right"- it can be frustrating as a teacher. I always tell students who are insecure or don't feel they can do "yoga".....come to class....sit on your mat in childs pose, savasana, or just sit and you have done yoga.....it isn't about the asanas....it is so much more! 

I found this to be inclusive and non judgmental as a whole. I have noticed my own teaching style has developed a similar approach to PYP's methodology as it is eclectic, observant and, intuitive instruction. There are so many great elements that come from each modality of teaching, I often combine different styles to create anatomical alignment, meditation and safe space for students. I respect each modality and teaching style as they all serve a purpose for this healing-centered training. 

After living a certain amount of time, I have felt the cyclic aspect of development. Growing into Yoga has been a long, enjoyable process that has afforded me the ability to follow my passions in helping others. I have been a practitioner of Yoga for more than a decade and, the journey has created a deeper awareness into how I show up for myself and others. 

I have been teaching adaptive Yoga for a few years and, accessibility is so important! I am incredibly appreciative for every student allowing me to learn from each of them as well.