Karen McGraneOvjeren akaunt

I have hearing loss. Please do not ask me to close my eyes and envision whatever you're talking about as part of a workshop exercise or other feel-good activity. I cannot hear you. Asking people to shut off one of the senses they need is ableist

I have a real hard time in yoga classes. Yoga instructors spend a lot of time making modifications for people with injuries or different muscular limitations. They also tell participants to close their eyes while they softly mumble gentle instructions that I can't understand

I do what I can in workshops to sit up front and angle myself so I can hear. In a yoga class I NEVER want to be the person sitting right in front, I'd rather not go. Also angling myself so I can hear is at best counter-productive and at worst dangerous

This all is brought to you because I went to yoga this week and complained about not being able to hear to my therapist and said I didn't want to have to be front and center in a yoga class and she said I should claim that space for myself because I need it

This always comes up. No, I do not "lip read." Yes, I do better with understanding someone when I look at them because I see facial expressions and just generally benefit from multiple inputs. And I'm not alone! EVERYONE'S comprehension is better that way