Oh if I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say to me, 'I can't do yoga because I'm not flexible!' $$$. This has to be one of the biggest myths about yoga, and is also one that makes me really sad for all who are missing out. Hopefully that's not for long!
I'd love to bust this myth until it becomes a distant memory. The ancient practice of yoga was one of mind, body and soul. Yoga in the modern world has evolved so far that many have come to perceive it as more about physical exercise and being able to do headstands and arm balances. I don't believe I initially knew the reason I was drawn to becoming a yoga teacher, yet I followed my gut instinct anyway. It has been a couple of years of discovering this space and developing my education. I now feel in my heart that I am called to share with others how the deep connection to your truest being can be experienced when you are on your mat - whether you are in the splits or laying on your back. I offer yoga practices that support making space for slowing down, reconnecting to Self, & disconnecting from the external world. I hope that in participating in a practice of mine, you finish feeling a little lighter than you arrived; mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually.
One of the most important things to remember, is that yoga does not need to be (and never is) perfect. As soon as you release the need for every asana and practice to be perfect, you are doing yoga. The word yoga is derived from the traditional Indian language of Sanskrit, and means 'to unite'. To become more connected to oneself, to find peace, and to awaken spiritually, one must allow all aspects of their being 'to unite' and become a whole. When you perceive yoga through the lens of its deep spiritual roots, you can understand that yoga is in fact nothing to do with flexibility, and that this is simply a modern-world fabrication of what yoga should be; influenced especially by social media.
If you are considering giving yoga a try and your level of flexibility has been the main roadblock to getting started, I recommend beginning with Yin or restorative yoga. I also invite you to acknowledge that one yoga practice is going to look so different for each individual. A teacher gives instructions as guidance, however take what works for you, and either modify or leave the rest behind. It is Your practice, and no one else's. You can do this.
Alicia X.