I am having a battle with my yoga teacher over props. it’s good natured and interactive, but still a battle. I hate props. I hate when I need them, and I hate being instructed to use them when I don’t need them. I find them to be unnecessary clutter in a crowded class, interfering with my ability to “get into it”, and overly accommodating. I’ve used this argument – if i’m captured and held in an underground cell for 3 yrs, how will I maintain my sanity through yoga if I don’t know how to do it without two blocks, a blanket, and strap and a bolster?  it’s good for a few laughs, but my point is missed. my teacher tells me I must examine my resistance to using props. I don’t see how accepting how far i’m able to go into a pose must be tied to not trying to progress into the full pose. That is if I am not able to reach my feet in a forward bend, why is it advisable to loop a strap around my feet and pretend, over reaching as far as i’m able each time and grabbing my shins or ankles instead? when i question my teacher I’m told I need to get over my aversion to props. that using a prop allows you to experience the full effect of the pose even if you can’t do it completely. but where does the progress come from? and what if I can do it completely? if you want to run but aren’t able, you don’t get someone to drive you the route. you walk part, then walk all, then run part, and eventually are able to run the route. I know, maybe walk is all I’ll be able to do, but I reached for that level. I understand acceptance. I don’t beat myself up about the things I cannot do, but I do work towards the things I want to do. i’m not learning, I’m not progressing, I feel like i’m doing fake yoga and I’m starting to disrupt the class by not picking up the blocks, straps, blankets and balls on my way to lay out my mat. I envision myself doing yoga in nature – by the sea, on the beach, outdoors at sunrise, midnight rooftop yoga, on a high vantage point. I need to be able to do it with just my body. 
I know, I’m in the wrong class, again.