I love a good analogy, and I incorporate them in my teachings as much as I can. Analogies are poetic and evocative. To understand the world, moment to moment, we are constantly creating links to things we already know and perspectives we already have. Our brains are in the business of making analogies.

Analogies usually feel more accurate without getting finicky or in the weeds. As a teacher who thinks a lot about cueing, I can be finicky for sure: “In Downward Facing Dog, flex your knees to release your hamstrings at their insertions, then engage your multifidi to increase your lumbar lordosis and the anterior tilt of your hips.” But it’s less confusing and more fun to say “sit on the ceiling.”

My 300-hour teacher training includes plenty of discussion on the use of language to evoke. When I guide somebody through strong poses like Chair, or Plank, or Handstand, I use mechanical verbs like “rocket your heels up” or “plow your hands through the floor.” During quieter poses I opt for more naturalistic language: “saturate into the floor like groundwater,” or “settle like sediment toward the bottom of a pond.”

Our nervous system operates a certain way, and that way is unique for everybody. Same for our bodies and all of our relationships. Yoga and meditation can help us see them for what they are. If we notice thoughts as thoughts, they often don’t have as firm a grip on us. If we notice we are upset, we become less upset.

To see things as they are seems to be the best chance at increasing our perspective and improving our situation. If analogies can help expand our understanding, I embrace them.

Upcoming Events

Autumn Renewal - September 4-7
Yin Immersion - September 13-14
Frameworks 300 - February 7