Despite what we might see on social media and in Yoga Journal magazine, the yoga world can be a vibrant place where everybody is celebrated and embraced. In a society that often imposes rigid beauty standards, yoga can help develop a sense of body positivity, and promote inclusivity and self-acceptance. The founder of Inner Yoga Training in Bali, Georgina, believes that yoga is not a one-size-fits-all approach. An authentic practice, and the best yoga teacher training courses, will meet each individual where they are at in their own practice and not try to force people into poses. Yoga is a personal journey and great teachers will know how to work with each person’s unique body structure. She always tells students on their 200 hour yoga teacher certification course that you don’t need to be physically or more spiritually advanced than your students to be a great yoga teacher. Your role is to hold space guide people through their practice and help them connect with their bodies and breath.
While a 200 hour yoga teacher training can definitely help you develop your practice and do poses that you might have struggled with in the past, good yoga teacher training courses and good teachers meet the students where they are and embrace different body shapes, sizes, and proportions and allow for injuries. You don’t have to be able to do a headstand or handstand and be size 8 to be an amazing yoga teacher. During your yoga teacher training, as you learn more about the philosophy behind the practice, you’ll begin to understand that yoga is for everybody, regardless of shape, size, or skill level and it’s not always about the physical yoga practice.
In any yoga community, diversity should not only be encouraged but beautifully celebrated. Join a yoga studio class or yoga teacher training, and you’ll encounter individuals of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, and abilities coming together to align souls and share their practice. Inclusivity lies at the heart of yoga, fostering a sense of unity and acceptance among practitioners. Regardless of our differences, we all share the common goal of finding balance, inner peace, and physical and mental well-being. The more you develop your inner practice through meditation and mindfulness you will understand that yoga is less about how the physical body looks and more about how it feels.
A yoga teacher training in Bali can teach you to embrace yourself fully, flaws and all as you are away from daily expectations and pressures and can connect more deeply with your inner sense of self. AYTT can remind us that our bodies are unique vessels capable of incredible things. Whether you’re curvy, slender, muscular, or have any other body shape, yoga invites you to appreciate and honor the gorgeous body you have. It is a divine vessel for the soul that it carries and needs to be looked after and celebrated as such. Through the practice of asanas (poses), you learn to focus on what your body does for you rather than how it looks. It’s about building strength, flexibility, and balance while cultivating a deep sense of self-love and respect for oneself!
Every time you step onto your mat, whether it’s for a studio class or during a 200-hour yoga teacher training, your mat becomes a sacred space, free from judgment or comparison. It’s an opportunity to let go of societal expectations and our own expectations and focus solely on being present as we move through the asana. Daily yoga practice allows you to tune into your body, connect with your breath, and move in a way that feels good for the mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re in an eight-angle pose or in a child’s pose, you can learn to honor and listen to your body, without the pressure to perform or conform. After all, yoga is a practice that can be tailored to meet the unique needs and abilities of every individual.
During your YTT (specifically in asana clinics), you’ll learn that poses can be modified and adapted to accommodate different body types and physical capabilities. Whether you have limited mobility, are recovering from an injury, or need props to work with your body’s proportions exploring the many variations and tuning into how each pose feels, makes yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The focus shifts from achieving a perfect pose to finding what feels right and honoring our own limitations and boundaries.
Yoga provides a nurturing and supportive community where yoga practitioners can come together, share their journeys, and uplift one another to become certified yoga teachers. It’s a safe, non-judgemental space where you learn to see beauty in diversity and appreciate the uniqueness of each person’s practice. Whether you’re attending a YTT in person or connecting with fellow yog is online, you’ll find a community that loves and supports you in your pursuit of self-discovery and growth. So do your thing and don’t let anyone or anything stop you from celebrating what your body can do!