Yoga Teacher Training Forum

I have taught yoga to classes of seniors and never once heard this objection.

My first thought is that the principle of ahimsae (non-harming) MUST come first in teaching. Always. It is especially important when working with seniors or anyone who has an injury or disability. You certainly do not want to get sued, but more than that, I would be HORRIFIED if I knew I ever hurt one of my patrons!

My second thought is that it should also be a guiding principle for each individual practioner, to cause no harm to themselves as they practice. I remind them of this often during classes.

So where is her complaint coming from? Why would she be offended when no one is making HER use a chair unless she chooses to? Why does she care what others are doing?

I think this woman's statement immediately shows that her head is not in a "yoga space." She may be competitive, critical, goal-oriented. She may not know the 8 Limbs and their guiding principles.

She also may have FEARS about getting older and less mobile, and her way of 'resisiting' is to criticize and make demands on others who may remind her of the fact that we all get old, sick, and die.

I suppose you could talk to her about the fact that this class may not be the right 'fit' for her, and perhaps she would be happier in a more challenging class (with another teacher, at another facility, etc.).