What is “Kaizen”?

Kaizen is a philosophy that originated in Japan and is often associated with the concept of continuous improvement. At its core, Kaizen is about making small, incremental changes to a process or system over time in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This approach has been widely adopted by businesses and organizations around the world, and has even found its way into the world of yoga.

Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. It involves a series of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques that can help people achieve physical, mental, and emotional balance. While yoga is often thought of as a static practice, the philosophy of Kaizen emphasizes the importance of continual improvement. When applied to yoga, this philosophy encourages practitioners to approach their practice with a growth mindset, and to focus on making small, incremental changes over time.

One way that Kaizen can be applied to yoga is through the use of props. Props such as blocks, straps, and blankets can be used to help practitioners achieve proper alignment and deepen their poses. By using props in this way, you can make small adjustments to their practice that can have a big impact over time.

Another way that it could be applied to your yoga practice, is through the use of modifications. Modifications are adjustments to a pose that make it more accessible or more challenging, depending on the your level of experience and ability. By incorporating modifications into your practice, you can gradually work towards more advanced poses, while still maintaining proper alignment and avoiding injury.

The philosophy of Kaizen can also be applied to the mental aspect of yoga practice. By approaching your practice with a growth mindset, you can cultivate a sense of curiosity and exploration, and can learn to embrace the challenges and setbacks that come with the practice. This can help you develop resilience and perseverance, and can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

The philosophy of Kaizen and the practice of yoga may seem like very different things on the surface, but they are actually very similar. By embracing the principles of Kaizen and applying them to your yoga practice, you can develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, cultivate a growth mindset, and make steady progress towards your goals over time. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, incorporating the philosophy of Kaizen into your practice can help you achieve greater physical, mental, and emotional balance and wellbeing