If you’ve ever joined me on the mat, you know that yoga, in my approach, is about much more than shape or alignment—it’s about creating space. But this space is not just physical; it’s an opening, an invitation to go deeper within yourself, exploring where your body, mind, and emotions hold tension and how you can gently release it.
My approach to yoga is functional, meaning I focus on how the practice feels in your body rather than how it looks. Functional yoga respects our individual anatomy and unique structures, celebrating our differences rather than imposing a “one-size-fits-all” approach. This philosophy allows us to create a space that’s truly ours, where we’re free to explore our own capacity, limits, and growth without judgment and comparison.
The Physical Space: Embracing Your Unique Anatomy
Most people initially come to yoga for physical reasons—to relieve tension, improve flexibility, or feel a greater sense of ease in the body. Functional yoga begins here, with an awareness that each body is unique. The practice becomes a way to understand and respect our individuality, letting us work within our own range of motion and allowing space for our bodies to expand gradually. Rather than striving for a certain alignment, functional yoga asks us to pay attention to what we feel.
For example, two people doing the same pose might look very different—and that’s okay. If one person feels a deep stretch in their hip, and another experiences lengthening in their spine, both are exactly where they need to be. This functional approach helps us tune into our physical experience, guiding us to create space within by releasing tightness and improving circulation in a way that feels good for each of us. Our goal is freedom, not form.
In each pose, you’ll often hear me ask: “Where do you feel the stretch? Is this working for you?” These questions aren’t just for technique; they’re for you to build an intimate connection with your body, learning where it needs more space, where it feels strong, and where it might hold resistance.
The Mental Space: Quieting the Mind and Sensing What’s True for You
Creating mental space is essential, especially in a world that values speed and productivity over stillness. Our minds are busy, constantly filled with ideas, to-do lists, and worries. Through functional yoga, we train ourselves to be present with the body and the breath, which has a profound effect on quieting the mind.
In functional yoga, there’s no need to conform to someone else’s idea of how a pose should look or feel. Instead, we drop into our bodies and let our experience guide us. This approach naturally cultivates mental space, as we’re not distracted by external expectations. We can let go of the noise, the pressure, and the need to perform, instead simply being with what’s true for us in each moment.
As we sink into this mental space, we start to notice the gaps between thoughts, the quiet places where clarity resides. With practice, these gaps grow, and we learn to find stillness even in life’s more chaotic moments. This spacious approach to yoga allows us to step away from constant mental chatter and come into a state of ease, trusting our own wisdom.
The Emotional Space: Feeling and Releasing
Yoga offers space for more than just physical and mental exploration—it also creates a safe space for emotions to surface and be felt. Emotions are part of our human experience, and as we move through poses in a way that honors our unique anatomy, we may uncover layers of feeling stored in the body. This is especially true for areas like the hips, shoulders, and chest, which often carry stress and past experiences.
Rather than forcing emotions away, we can create space for them, letting them rise up and flow out. Functional yoga supports this emotional release by encouraging us to stay present with our bodies, without judgment or pressure. We learn to recognize when we’re holding back or resisting and, instead, allow ourselves to feel fully. This release is a powerful experience, offering a sense of lightness and openness.
Creating this emotional space within our practice helps us connect more authentically with ourselves and others. We become more aware of what we’re holding onto and can begin to let go of what no longer serves us. This process isn’t rushed or forced; it happens naturally as we honor our individual journey on the mat, using poses that work for us and resonate with our own bodies.
The Spiritual Space: Connecting with Our True Selves
At the heart of yoga is a philosophy of self-acceptance and self-discovery. This practice encourages us to connect with ourselves as we are, without trying to fit into someone else’s mold. In the quiet moments of stillness and surrender, we can feel something vast and peaceful within us—a spiritual space that connects us to our true essence.
As we practice yoga, we honor the natural alignment of our bodies, moving with intention and awareness. This opens up a deeper connection to ourselves, allowing us to glimpse the part of us that is timeless and whole. When we move in ways that honor our anatomy, we’re not only creating space for physical movement but also for spiritual connection, feeling at home within ourselves. This inner space is a place of refuge, a sanctuary where we can always return to find peace, insight, and strength.
Embracing the Space Within through Functional Yoga
Creating space within isn’t a destination but an ongoing journey. Each time we step onto the mat, we practice expanding a little further, softening a little more, and letting ourselves be guided by our own experience. Functional yoga is about embracing who we are, celebrating our bodies, minds, and spirits exactly as they are. It’s about making room for the truth of our unique form, our inner world, and our authentic voice.
So, the next time you practice, whether on the mat or in daily life, remember that the purpose of yoga is to create space—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This space inside is your sanctuary, a place where you can truly be yourself and connect with the freedom, joy, and peace that is already within you. Let this space be your guide, and honor the beauty of your own experience as it unfolds, uniquely and authentically, every single time. If you’re ready to explore the power of yoga and discover the space within, join me for one of my offerings. Here’s the link to view my schedule and find the right session for you:
Let’s create space together.
Deborah xo
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