When we step onto our mats, most of us hear some version of “make adjustments” & “let it feel good.”  But wait… what is more important… feeling good or alignment? 

The answer: BOTH.

Alignment is important—it’s what helps us reduce unnecessary stress in the joints, build stability, and keep our practice sustainable. Especially for those with hypermobility, mindful alignment can protect the body and create a sense of grounded steadiness. Done well, alignment is like building strong architecture in your body—you create a structure that holds you up, allow strength muscles to activate, and length muscles to let go.

But here’s the thing: alignment isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The way a pose looks or feels in one body may not work at all in another. Our bones, proportions, mobility, and life histories are all different—so the “perfect” alignment you’ve seen in a book or on Instagram might not be what your body needs. There are general principles of alignment, yes, but how they express themselves will look a little different for each of us.

And that’s actually a gift.

When we stop chasing an image of perfection and instead start listening to our bodies, yoga becomes less about forcing shapes and more about discovering what truly supports us. This shift frees us from dogma and allows us to focus on the heart of the practice: breath, awareness, stability, and ease. Not everyone can—or should—do every pose in the same way, and that’s completely okay.

A functional approach to yoga means asking: What is this posture meant to do for me? Am I getting that benefit in a way that feels safe for my unique body? If the answer is yes, then you’re aligned—even if it doesn’t look like the picture on the wall.

The truth is, yoga is already a very safe practice, but you can maximize its benefits when you fine-tune alignment for you. That little adjustment might mean more comfort, more strength, or best of all, more space to breathe.

✨ If you want to dive deeper into these ideas, join us for our 3-week series: The Art of Alignment — Thursdays, 4:30–5:30pm on November 6, 13, and 20. Together we’ll explore how to find alignment that feels personal, supportive, and empowering for your body.

The next time you roll out your mat, remember: alignment isn’t about conforming to someone else’s shape. It’s about discovering your own.