Namaste, Reader!

I hope this finds you well! This week, I want to share a warm welcome to the families joining us for the upcoming Fall Kids Yoga Club series. We’re beyond excited to have you and your children be part of this journey. Our classes are designed to support each child in a safe, inclusive environment where they can explore movement, mindfulness, and the joy of yoga. Thank you for entrusting us with this experience!

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For the latest in our Creating a Safe and Inclusive Yoga Class series, let’s dive into the fifth principle of trauma-informed teaching: Honor Choice and Voice. Last week, we discussed the importance of “Providing Options”—giving students accessible variations of each posture, offering them different ways to approach their practice. Options empower students, making yoga adaptable to individual needs and honoring diverse abilities, strengths, and energy levels.

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This week, we take that empowerment a step further by focusing on the significance of honoring choice and voice in our classes. When we create space for students to choose how they engage in a practice or express what they need, we’re not just teaching yoga; we’re building trust and fostering a sense of autonomy.

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In a trauma-informed space, “Choice and Voice” means encouraging students to check in with their bodies and decide what feels right for them in each moment. Rather than directing every movement, we offer guidance while leaving space for individual expression. One recent example comes from a Yin Yoga class where I cued Legs Up the Wall, a gentle inversion. One student, however, recalled experiencing vertigo the last time she practiced that pose and decided to modify instead. Together, we adjusted her position to a more grounded, less intense inversion, and she was able to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling practice.

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Moments like these are powerful reminders of how honoring choice and voice can deepen our connection to our students. It encourages them to tune into their bodies and fosters a practice that feels safe and self-empowering.

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​Reflection Prompt: Take a moment to reflect on a time you felt truly heard and respected. How did that experience shape your sense of trust or comfort in that environment? This week, consider how you might incorporate more choice and voice into your daily interactions, whether in a yoga setting, at home, or in other aspects of your life.

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Thank you for being here on this journey. Each week, we’re adding more layers of compassion and empowerment to our practice, and it’s inspiring to see this community embrace these principles so wholeheartedly.

From My Heart 2 Yours,
Taylor Lee Hitaffer, RYT-500, CYMC
Heart2Brain Yoga

P.S. If you haven’t already downloaded the FREE Trauma-Informed Yoga Teaching Checklist, you can grab your REVISED copy HERE! This resource will help guide you in integrating trauma-informed principles into your teaching.

P.P.S. Follow Heart2Brain Yoga on Instagram and Facebook for more mindfulness!

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