“It’s Your Practice — Do What Feels Best” - Are You Actually Supporting That Intention?”
As yoga teachers, many of us have said it: “It’s your practice, do what feels best for you today.”
It’s a beautiful sentiment, often spoken with genuine care. But here’s the question: are we actually giving students the space, language, and support to embody that choice throughout the whole class?
In trauma-informed yoga and inclusive teaching, intention alone isn’t enough. Without the right language and structure, that opening invitation can fall flat — leaving students unsure of how much freedom they really have.
Why “It’s Your Practice” Can Fall Short
When we say “do what feels best,” we’re assuming students already know what that means for their bodies. But many don’t.
For some, especially those experiencing pain, chronic conditions, or trauma, tuning into the body might not feel simple or safe.
Without clear, inclusive cues, students may default to following along — even if a shape doesn’t feel right for them.
The room’s culture might silently suggest there’s a “right” way to practice, making the choice feel less accessible.
In other words, the line risks becoming just that — a line, rather than a lived invitation.
Trauma-Informed Yoga: Moving Beyond Intention
Trauma-informed yoga is about creating spaces that prioritise safety, choice, and agency. This doesn’t mean removing every possible trigger (we can’t). It means building classes where students feel supported enough to explore what’s right for them — without pressure or expectation.
That requires more than one sentence at the start of class. It requires consistent invitational language and a structure that backs it up.
How to Support “It’s Your Practice” With Language
Here are some simple, trauma-informed shifts that bring your intention to life:
Offer genuine options. Instead of saying “step your right foot forward”, try “you might step your right foot forward, or pause and take a breath before moving.” Both are valid choices.
Avoid assumptions. Rather than “close your eyes to feel grounded”, invite “your eyes might be closed, soft, or open — notice what feels supportive today.”
Build predictability. Trauma-informed yoga values consistency. Setting up a clear class rhythm allows students to relax into the practice without second-guessing what’s next.
Use language that empowers. Shift from directing (“do this”) to inviting (“you’re welcome to explore this variation”).
Inclusive Yoga in Action
When we teach this way, “It’s your practice” stops being a single sentence and becomes the thread of the entire class. Students begin to trust that they truly have permission to rest, move differently, or adapt as needed.
This approach makes yoga more inclusive, trauma-aware, and accessible to every body in the room. And the beauty is — it doesn’t take away from anyone. It only adds depth, compassion, and authenticity to the space you hold.
If you’re curious about how to bring trauma-informed yoga and inclusive language into your classes, I’ve created an online course designed just for teachers like you.
The Power of Language in Movement Spaces: From Directing to Inviting is a short, practical training that explores why language matters — and how small, intentional shifts can transform your teaching and your students’ experience.
Because when you say “It’s your practice” — your language and presence should support that intention from the first breath to the last.
