“Encourage, lift and strengthen one another. For the positive energy spread to one will be felt by us all. For we are connected, one and all.” – Deborah Day

The Meaning of Support

I looked up the definition of ‘support’ as I’ve been playing with this word in my practice whilst exploring standing balancing postures this month. To support can mean to encourage, lift and strengthen - these are a few good synonyms, to be sure.

Other definitions I found were:

to bear all or part of the weight of; hold up

assist with, help, aid

be capable of sustaining

give approval, comfort, champion

promote, advocate for, uphold, defend

bolster, carry

prop (maybe a yoga prop 😜)

Taking support

We’ve been working in class on balance in our postures and how that comes about. In balancing, we rely very much on our own resources to hold us - support from our muscles and mindful placements of the body along with the steady control of breath and settling of the mind.

But what about leaning on external resources? In our Asana practice, I often encourage students to take support from props; the wall, the floor, a chair, a strap. Why? The question for me is, instead, why not?

I notice people are sometimes reluctant to take props, whether a yoga brick under the hand or a blanket under the bum. But, used well, a prop can completely transform an experience. I often find it’s the expansive quality that has a chance to reveal itself when we are supported - a literal space creation where the breath is freed. When supported, ‘Ah-ha’ moments can even arise, where space and time allow something to click. We discover that with adequate help, any body can reap the benefits intended of any posture.

The need for support is fluid and ever-changing. In a lifetime’s practice, sometimes we need props; sometimes, we really don’t. At times discarded; other times, we pick them up again with gratitude. So, can we appreciate the value of appropriate support? And learn to discriminate when and how to take it intelligently for our individual needs.

Rest and Be Supported

Allowing ourselves to be supported also permits somewhere within a deep release; of tension, stress and embedded history. Imagine being cradled by a warm embrace of a loved one. What happens when we are entirely, safely and unconditionally held? A deep breath spontaneously arises; tears flow, perhaps; a release, a liberation of long-caught emotion. New space and clarity have then a chance to emerge.

Support Network

This week, we are utilising support - how to accept and embrace it. We’re using a wall (our most sturdy prop, save the Earth itself) to this effect tomorrow in our Asana practice.

As we practise together this week, let’s draw from all aspects of support to discover what we need. Maybe you’ll find security from a steady prop that allows you to go deeper into an embodied experience. Or simply by coming onto the mat, held by dedicated time and space, maybe you find a little room for release and healing.

Let’s welcome support, not just from props but from our breath, the teachings, words of encouragement, and our community.

P.s. If you’re wondering what I consider minimum support in terms of helpful props for Yoga Asana, well, that would be two bricks (cork, preferably) and a Yoga belt with which you can create a loop. These and a good sticky mat are probably my most used supports.