Sensation over Shape. Messaging example #1.

In my last post, I shared my favorite yoga youtuber Adriene with you—and invited you to check her out.

A grounded yoga guide, Adriene is also brilliant at messaging. So good, that I wanted to add today’s follow up post.

What stands out for me about Adriene’s work: her singular, refreshing message, and the way that message unifies and deepens her teaching in all of its facets.

Her message distilled? “Sensation over shape.” 

She asks you to “forget what you think is the perfect image” or shape of any particular asana. Instead, have an experience, and from there grow a pose. 

Her ongoing “live-time” work-out conversation with you about the sensations you may be experiencing (ex. tight shoulders, a tremble, ease, energy traveling through your body from sit bone to heel) is part of this “sensation over shape message.” She’ll even comment on how she is feeling in her body to bring this point home.

Work from the inside out, by prizing sensation over shape is a through-line in each of Adriene's videos. Because of this, her body of work coheres—and is easily remembered and shared. 

It’s the depth of her expertise distilled into a singular, clear message—simple, elegant, accessible, true. 

I suspect that’s in part what lends Adriene her straightforward, relaxed air. She knows her approach and what she’s going to say because she has a message that anchors her work, like a tent pole at the center of a large tent under which folks can gather.

She wants to create a change in behavior—in a way that frees and benefits you, by asking you to have a new experience of what yoga is or can be.

Your turn.
What’s your simple, elegant message distilled? Share with me here.