Many people think alignment-based yoga means long-held poses and strict precision. In reality, alignment is less about appearance and more about function, adaptability, and sustainable movement. This article explores a modern understanding of alignment and why we are not meant to practice yoga like statues.

My students often tell me that a significant barrier to practicing yoga at home is uncertainty about what to do. I completely understand this feeling, as I've experienced it myself. You step onto your yoga mat, and then what? This challenge is one of the reasons why I'm fond of straightforward sequences like Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation). Once you know the movements by heart, flowing through the sequence becomes like a moving meditation. Such sequences are invaluable, particularly on days when time is scarce or when you're unsure which yoga practice to engage in.