Every yoga student, and teacher for that matter, has poses they enjoy and poses they don’t like as much. This is completely normal and, while it is certainly possible to avoid your least favorite poses, you want to make sure you have a balanced practice.
Fortunately, you can learn to like, or at least make peace with, the poses you don’t love as much. The first step is to figure out why you don’t like the pose and then you will be able to make some adjustments that will allow you to relax and enjoy it a bit more.
Consider why you don’t like a particular pose. Is it uncomfortable? Are you not feeling confident in the pose? In these cases, you can modify the pose or use props to reduce the discomfort and increase your confidence in the pose.
Is the problem caused by incorrect alignment in the pose? If this is the case, your yoga teacher can assist you in correcting alignment, which can make you more comfortable in the pose.
Fear can be the root of a dislike of many things, including yoga asanas. What is the basis of the fear? Are you worried about injury in more advanced poses? Speak to your teacher to ensure the pose is suitable for you and to get advice to reduce fear. This is another situation where modifying a pose can help. Later, you can always get rid of the props.
Do you have a physical condition that makes you avoid specific poses? For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis in the wrist, plank pose, or any pose that requires you to support your body weight with your hands may be uncomfortable. If this is the case, avoid or modify poses that are causing the problem.
If you can’t identify the reason for the dislike, or it is just a matter of preference, realize that in time you may feel differently. With time and practice, you may discover the joy of a pose you couldn’t stand a few days before.
Remember to breathe and relax in the pose. It is easier to forget to breathe correctly, or hold your breath and tense your muscles in poses you don’t like. However, this will only make the problem worse, so relax. When all else fails, consider it an opportunity for growth in your practice and in the concept of acceptance.