How Inclusivity Led Me To Yoga Teacher Training

Presented by LEND Pittsburgh: a series of inclusive resources and perspectives

I made a lot of friends doing cheerleading, dance, and sports growing up. I have always liked moving. I appreciate that when I am doing yoga I feel good moving and I am not as focused on how I look or the mistakes I make—I am encouraged to keep going and unlike the things I listed before that taught me more teamwork and expression; yoga is teaching me more about individualized connection. I still like those other things too.

Yogis lying on the ground with hands on hearts and bellies; Image courtesy of Unsplash

Yoga helps me connect to the present moment, everything that’s in it, for better or for worse, my breath, physicality and attitude. Yoga helps me to be more in touch with what I can do, and what’s pushing too hard. There are times where moving has been harder because of emotional pains, physical injury, sickness, mental illness. During these times especially is when I find I am grateful I can do yoga and celebrate whatever movement there is. And I can have my best practice, feeling totally connected. I love learning about inclusivity, learning to move in different ways, whatever adaptation feels good today, and in the moment. Anybody can do yoga and connecting with others who also practice yoga can be more meaningful than your average connection. 

Practicing yoga with others is special because of honoring everyone’s individual journey. I enrolled in the Open Up yoga teacher training because I thought practicing with others at Open Up could help me grow as a person and professional. I eventually hope to utilize these relaxing and meditative techniques for children and families in healthcare settings. It feels good to be doing a yoga teacher training so I can use the skills that yoga has for myself and to connect with others in a meaningful way, sharing the gifts a yoga practice can offer. 

A pink yoga mat with pink props; Image courtesy of Unsplashed.

About the Author

Hannah Philips is a second year graduate student in the field of Applied Developmental Psychology, with a concentration in children with special healthcare needs.

This article is part of the In Lend Series