Hands on Adjusting and Assisting

Due to the rise of trauma informed yoga, hands on adjusting is happening less and less in a yoga class. What do you think? Do you want to be hands on assisted by your yoga teacher? Would you prefer they ask permission? Do you feel you can get the same awareness without a hands on adjustment? Do you expect a hands on adjustment when you go to yoga, or would it potentially stop you from ever returning? 

Personally, I don't mind a hands on adjustment, but I want to have a relationship with my teacher first, i want them to know me physically and emotionally, and understand my limitations. I also want them to ask me permission, because sometimes I just don't want to be touched. I do also have to admit, I enjoy them less these days. I'm not really sure why. 

As a teacher, I completely and wholeheartedly respect that many of our students don't want to be hands on assisted. Some teachers ask at the start of the class, some teachers ask when they are about to make the adjustment. I wonder, are we making people feel uncomfortable by asking them on the spot? Are there some students who say yes, when they actually mean no?

This is something I think about a lot as a yoga teacher trainer and course developer. I think there needs to be fresh and new education around this area in a yoga teacher training. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. Ambika x
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