The Power of Inclusive Language on the Mat

Words carry energy. Off the mat, we choose our language with care—speaking to ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities with kindness and intention. Yet on the mat, the words of our teachers can shape not only a posture but a person’s entire experience of yoga. I recently heard an instructor say, “If you’re looking for a challenge, try this.” In that moment, I wondered: what if the pose someone is already holding feels profoundly challenging? How might they judge themselves if they can’t “achieve” the recommendation? Would they question their own belonging, their own practice, or even hesitate to return?

At Beyond Yoga, we honor every body’s journey. We use invitational language—“you’re welcome to explore,” “you might try,” and “you absolutely have permission to stay here.” Every class unfolds with built‑in modifications and encouragement to use props: bolsters, blocks, straps, and more. Far from signaling a “beginner” practice, props become symbols of sophistication and self‑awareness, reminding us that reaching for support—on the mat or off—is an act of empowerment.

I believe that those who embrace props cultivate a deeper, more nuanced practice. Just as Brianna Wiest teaches us that “healing begins with honoring where you are,” we foster a space where each inhale and exhale matters more than the shape of a pose. Our teachers are carefully chosen for their ability to hold space—to meet you where you are today, knowing that no two days on the mat look the same.

In this light, yoga becomes less about “nailing” an asana and more about exploring curiosity, compassion, and resilience. Whether you arrive with trembling knees in Uttanasana (Forward Fold) or steady balance in Tree Pose, you are seen, you are held, and you are welcome. Come as you are, and let your practice be an invitation to yourself, to your breath, and to a community that speaks to you with care.