165: The Intended Benefit + How To Remove Linear Hierarchy
In this episode, we dive into a concept that is absolutely transformative for yoga teachers: the idea that yoga cannot be both healing and performative at the same time. If we’re still teaching from a linear, hierarchical, aesthetic-based model of asana, we’re unintentionally blocking the very healing we hope to support.
This conversation focuses on how teachers can shift toward a non-linear, person-centered approach grounded in the intended benefit of each pose. Francesca offers a co-creative teaching model where the teacher brings clarity, knowledge, and intention — without assuming universal “right” shapes.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
the foundational framework that helps teachers move away from aesthetic evaluation and toward meaningful, individualized movement experiences
pose case studies including child’s pose, downward facing dog, plank and warrior two
a deep dive into the idea that each pose is a container of possible movement nutrients
how to incorporate all these ideas into your teaching right away
an invitation to get some feedback from Francesca
Resources Mentioned:
15 Downward Dog Prep Sequences: 15sequences.com
Episode 164: Taking Movement Patterns Down To The Studs with Geneva Jimreivat
This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree, an easy-to-use, all-in-one online platform for yoga teachers that provides a personal website, booking, payment, blogging, and many other great features. The best thing about OfferingTree is you can get up and running in 10 minutes with no tech skills needed. As an added bonus, If you sign up at www.offeringtree.com/mentor, you’ll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan)!
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Have you ever been in a yoga class where the yoga teacher gives a long dharma talk about ahimsa, and then when the movement practice begins the teaching style feels very aggressive? Or maybe you have been that teacher yourself. I know I have!
I think there are really subtle and beautiful ways to teach the movement part of yoga in a way that has the deeper philosophical teachings embedded within it, but most of us were not taught to do that, and it is more challenging to do than you might think!