Refining poses is one of the watchwords of our yoga practice. We are always refining, it is always a practice; never quite perfect (though our ego may tell us it is) and never quite finished. We continue to work over and over and over. 

That is one of the reasons yoga teachers may incorporate the use of props into the practice. Let’s take an example of ardha chandrasana (half moon):

I often teach this pose at the wall with a block. Students place mats along the wall, stand with left hip to the wall, about mid-way on their mat. The block is placed close to the wall, at least one foot in front of the left leg. Now, they move into the pose, standing on left leg, with left hand on block. Right leg is extended straight back, hip height, and right arm is vertical (extending up the wall). Hips and shoulders are resting comfortably on the wall.

NOW, we refine. Using a supported pose in this manner offers us the opportunity to explore the following ( and more):

•    How our feet are working?
•    Are arms extending strongly and vibrantly?
•    Is the core activated?
•    What is happening to the head/neck?

In our yoga practice, we all want to do our best, to be strong and flexible, yet calm. I advise students to use props-not to make the pose easier, but to make the pose better, to refine, working towards the day when a prop is not offered. The body and mind will then know the shape of the pose–where they are going, what to do–with power, flexibility, confidence and calm.

All this to say, don’t ever say ‘no’ to a prop if it is offered.