Yoga doesn’t always have to be done on a mat

Have you ever tried bed yoga?! Ever thought of teaching it as a home practise to your students?

I usually start my classes with a check-in conversation with people attending. Last week there were many reports of fatigue and achiness, of having missed a fitness class from feeling too low in energy and mood to go out. As I was addressing each person’s issues, I realised that a little morning practise would be beneficial for everyone in the class.

But rather than the traditional mat practise, I suggested some movement in bed before trying to stand and walk would be really helpful, especially when bodies are stiff and sore (and when it’s cold!). It’s something I do for myself most mornings in a very sleepy intuitive way as I don’t wake easily and have a few aches of my own!

I shared a few things that I do which can be useful not only for joints but also for lymph and circulation and demonstrated a couple of practises on the floor that could be done in bed. As we moved through the class, I pointed out which practises could also be done lying down as bed yoga practise.

I could see the delight on their faces as they took in that staying in bed in their pj’s and doing some breath and movement was a legitimate yoga practise. Of course, they don’t really need my permission or validation but hearing it from their teacher I think helped remove some of the blocks around what counts as a proper yoga practise.

One woman asked me during a movement how many repetitions she should do. It was a very good question and I was grateful to have it as it gave a chance to share with the whole group. Most people have an idea of all kinds of exercise and movement practises being quite prescriptive and formal, and often something that is a struggle or challenge. There is definitely benefit for cancer patient from effortful exercise, but a morning ‘get the day going’ practise I think is allowed to be easy.

What I try to encourage in the people I teach is for them to make internal referencing a daily practise rather than following an external rule. So my answer to that woman was to do their home practise as an exploration and self-enquiry. Do any many repetitions as you feel is useful or necessary that day. It will change from day to day, the parts you need to move may change day to day also. Simply feel in to your body, ask what it needs and do what feels good.

That also is yoga!

If you feel that you would like to become a specialist yoga for cancer teacher, you can find out about the YFCA Holistic Teacher Training Course here.