The Truth About Flexibility in Yoga

"I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible." It's a phrase I hear all too often, and it always makes me smile. The common misconception that yoga is reserved for the ultra-bendy, those who can effortlessly fold themselves into pretzel-like poses, couldn’t be further from the truth. Yoga is not about how far you can bend, but rather how deep you can mend.

Yoga is a practice that invites you to connect with your body, mind and spirit. It offers a space for self-reflection, healing and growth, and it does so without the need for flexibility. Flexibility, as often imagined, is simply a byproduct of consistent practice, not a prerequisite.

You don’t need to touch your toes to do yoga. You don’t even need to move beyond lying in savasana (corpse pose) on your mat. If you come to a class and spend the entire time in savasana, guess what? You’re doing yoga. The essence of yoga lies in the breath, the intention, and the awareness you bring to your practice.

The idea that yoga is only for the flexible can be intimidating and exclusionary. But yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, size or flexibility. The beauty of yoga is that it meets you exactly where you are. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, the practice is adaptable to your needs and abilities.

When we step onto our mats, we embark on a journey of self-discovery. Yoga teaches us to listen to our bodies, to honor where we are in the moment, and to release the need for perfection. It’s not about achieving the deepest stretch or the most advanced pose, but about finding balance, peace, and presence in whatever shape your body takes.

So, if you’ve been hesitant to try yoga because you think you’re not flexible enough, let go of that fear. Yoga is not a performance, and there’s no competition. It’s a personal practice that’s meant to support you, to help you mend from within, and to bring you closer to yourself.

Remember, it’s not about how far we bend, but how deep we mend. Yoga is for everyone, and it’s here to help you heal, grow and thrive, just as you are. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and know that you are already doing yoga.