The words we choose

The words we choose matter. We are taught this from a young age: to be kind to others, to not say mean things, to choose our words wisely. But how often do we do this? We usually understand this sentiment in regards to treating those around us with kindness, but what about ourselves? And what about the words that we choose to intake and absorb?

One of my teachers says, “we are what we eat, but more importantly, we are what we think.”

Purposeful, intentional language is extremely important and something that I dedicate myself to doing when I teach, whether it be art or yoga. As a yoga teacher, I spend most of class, talking and cueing. And so it really matters, what we as yoga teachers say to our students.

If you attend my classes, you’ll notice that I don’t say things like: “If you can’t do it” or “if it’s too much” or “if you have weak wrists.” I also don’t cue: “tuck your tailbone,” "or “drop your knee,” or “pinch your shoulder blades together.” None of these cues are wrong, but instead, I choose to say: “If it’s available” or “choose to…” or “if you need more support….” I also prefer: “firm your inner thighs and draw your outer hips in” and “place your knee down” or “draw your shoulder blades together.” We absorb the physical poses of the practice just as much as the words and energy given to us when we practice. My hope is that students who attend will feel positive and supported, knowing that their mat is a safe place to return to, again and again.