Love Your Props For A Sweet Valentine's Treat

February 14, 2021

In my yoga teacher training, I was taught to start every class by introducing myself and telling students to grab two yoga blocks. My teacher joked it was irrelevant whether or not we used the blocks. It gave us something to say and do and broke the ice.

After years of teaching, I’ve found that my students benefit most when we actually make use of the props. They empower the student to adjust for differences in body anatomy that make some poses uncomfortable or unattainable. Props encourage us to seek the physical and spiritual depth of each pose. They teach us the value of brushing aside pride to make room for a more honest relationship; in this case, with ourselves.

It’s the month of hearts and hugs. Let’s show a little love to our props. They hold us up and cushion us when we fall over. They nudge us to stretch ourselves, to accept our frailties and to be our truest selves. Props are the perfect love match for our yoga practice!

Sweeten up your relationship to your practice with these familiar or new ways to use props:

Have a Block Party!

Want a simple solution for tight hips in easy seat? Sit on a block or two to descend the knees below the hips. Better still, add 2 more blocks, one under each thigh.

How low can you go? Place two blocks the tall way on the inside of each shoulder in high push up. Press your upper body down into a low push up until you inner shoulders touch the blocks (Chataranga Dandasana). You’ll build proper alignment, body awareness and strength. Or take a load off the wrists by pressing your palms into blocks in Downward Facing dog.

Get up close and personal with your block! Place a block the long way between your thighs in Bridge Pose. Lift and sense the squeezing action of the inner thigh muscles. Watch what magic happens on your second round of Bridge after removing the block when the phantom block sensation cues you o draw your thighs to the midline!

Stretch Your Self-Perception with a Strap!

Use a strap to prepare your body for open hipped poses like Warrior 2. While on your back, press one foot into the middle of a strap as your grasp the two ends together with both hands. Holding the strap, gently pull your leg to your chest, ease it to the side and draw it across your body. Experience a supreme release as you lower to your edge.

Ever feel like the arms of Cow Face Pose might as well be reaching for the moon (one hand reaching over your shoulder, while the other hand slides up your back to hold it)? Bridge the gap between the hands by throwing a strap over your shoulder and bring your hands closer by walking your hands up the strap toward each other. You’ll be rewarded with a deep stretch of the shoulder and heart space.

Happy Baby not so happy (reaching for feet with bent knees and legs splayed while on your back)? Drape a strap across the soles of your feet and hold the end of the strap in each hand. Gently pull on the each side of the strap to bring the knees closer to the shoulders and rock playfully from side to side.

Cuddle Up with Your Blankie!

Start or end your practice with more ease by sitting with a folded blanket under your hips. Take time to adjust the position until it supports you in all the right places to extend your sitting time for meditation.

On days when your neck is sensitive, limit neck extension by placing a blanket rolled the long way behind it. Or fold a blanket several times into a thick rectangle and place it under your knees to relieve pressure in your low back.

Take the time to open your blanket and snuggle under it as you head into Savasana. The warmth and weight of the blanket may whisk you off someplace far away before bringing you back home to yourself.

Read this article in the Open Doors Yoga Canton Newsletter and learn about their wonderful classes and offerings: