I think that’s an interesting word to use – cheating.
First of all, is there such a thing as cheating in yoga? It may be true that using different muscles, or arranging the body differently, would develop more strength, balance, flexibility, or stability. And for certain that is why yoga teachers encourage you to practice the positions in specific ways – they are trying to help you grow stronger, more flexible, and/or avoid injury. But, cheating?
Cheating implies you are being dishonest in a way that suppresses the success of others. I guarantee that no matter how you practice the physical postures, your practice will not prevent someone else’s success in their own practice.
Yes, I’m aware that cheating could mean cheating yourself. But even then, who exactly is being cheated?
The part of our mind that strongly desires success is the ego mind. Sometimes it is the ego mind that drives us. When operating from the ego, if we perceive the goal of the yoga position is to fold in half, then we strive to fold to our maximum, even if we feel strain or pain. And, we either don’t notice or we ignore any details about form that prevents us from reaching the goal.
The ego sees yoga as a sport we want to win.
Gradually over time, we learn that the yoga positions are meant less to train the body for a certain look for others to see, and more to train the mind for a certain viewpoint from which we see the world.
We learn (usually with the help of an experienced teacher) how to practice the yoga positions as actions informed by deep breathing as opposed to sculptural shapes to mold ourselves into. When we prioritize the external “look” of the pose over the internal process, we “cheat” ourselves of true progress towards self-realization.
I still wonder, though, is “cheat” really the right word to use?
The majority of items I’ve seen students do that teachers call cheats are ways of practicing the yoga positions that won’t create damage to the body over time. And if no damage is being caused to the practitioner (or the people around them), then I suggest there is no need to use a word that subtly implies failure, dishonesty, or doing something wrong. Even if the insinuation is unintended and most students don’t hear the negativity.
Words can be very powerful in their subtlety, especially when repeated over and over. That’s why I’m personally striving to update how I teach with new language to guide students on their inward journey.
What do you think of this?
Now when I see a student practicing an asana in a way I think could be improved, I say something like, “Have you ever tried doing [this position] in [this other way]? It can help [reach this goal/benefit].” I’m hoping this type of language gives students their agency while still offering guidance that my experience and education deems important. It also can be used for a range of suggestions – whether I’m wishing to guide the student away from injury, encourage them to challenge themselves a bit more or, a bit less.
Ultimately, I think this contemplation is less about whether a student is “cheating,” and more about how we define progress in yoga altogether.
If yoga is truly a practice of awareness, then the language we use to teach could invite curiosity rather than shame, exploration rather than performance. And as teachers, part of our own practice is bringing awareness to our own process, so that we can learn how to guide students toward growth while still honoring their agency, individuality, and experience.
