"Straighten you arms and push up into Cobra. Turn your neck to the left and look out over your shoulder." And that is when I get a lump in my throat and my breath hitches. My whole body is feeling intense pressures and stretches. My mind becomes flooded with thoughts, feelings, and really just "static". I am not sure what it is, but it makes me feel like I am about to explode. But all of this isn't in a bad way. Everything is coming to the surface, in my body and my mind. When I release back down to the floor, before switching and turning my neck to the right side, my eyes well up with that salty liquid we call tears and one slowly drips down my face. In that moment I feel a release, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Practicing yoga allows you to find that mind-body connection. It forces you to be present right then and there, on your mat, and to focus inward on what you are feeling at that very moment. The movements you flow, push, bend, and stretch your body through, awaken all those nerves and sensory feelings within your body. It increases your blood flow and energizes every corner (even your toes). But it also awakens every part of your brain. Don't think you are going to go into a yoga practice for a quick workout and one goal in mind, to just sweat. That is not going to happen. Your body is going to connect with your brain and make you feel things you may not have even known were there, lurking in those back corners of the mind.
This is when all those thoughts, feelings, and emotions come flooding up to the surface and seem to gather all together right in your center. That exact moment is when I feel just pressure and all the intense feeling ready to blow, but I can't pin point exactly one thought or feeling. This will usually happen in a pose that you hold and really allow your body to feel. And then when you release from that pose, your emotions release with it. The physical and emotional are connected spirits within you.
When you cry during yoga, it is just the physical representation of what is going on inside the body. The tears build up under all that pressure and then flow from your eyes as everything releases. It is cleansing. It is purifying. It is invigorating.
That is why it is okay to cry during yoga! It may not happen every practice, but I find it happens to me when I have had a pretty tough week or something significant happened. That is why yoga is so healing and restorative. It is not just a workout. It can act as a "therapy" session as well. The best part is that no one needs to know what those thoughts and feelings are inside you. You don't have to speak them out load to the world. But you can bring them out during your practice, through the asanas, and through that emotional release you are bound to feel.
Allowing yourself to go there and fully commit to your practice will only make you stronger. You will step off your mat feeling refreshed inside and out. You will feel confident with yourself and emit a glowing aura of love, strength, and power.
Yoga is for everyone. Yoga is not only a physical practice, but a lifestyle. You are fully committing and giving yourself permission to actually find your inner peace. Your inner light. No one is saying it will be easy. You may be scared of the feelings and emotions that come up, of the moments that you become vulnerable enough to cry, to release. But that is why yoga is a lifestyle. These things don't happen in a day or in one practice, they happen over time, when you commit and allow your practice to take you to the far reaches of you mind and soul. The places we don't always want to feel or see. But discovering these places leaves us with a purer sense of self. We can find love, confidence, compassion, strength, acceptance, and peace.
Now take a moment and decide if you want to embark on a journey that will require you to let go, to accept, to release. If you do, then you may what to come and step on to the mat. Bring all you stress, worries, insecurities, anger, happiness, sorrows, burdens, everything. Bring it all and then release it. Release it and feel what your body truly is. A beautiful creation, a powerhouse of love, an extraordinary work of art that should be loved and cared for. Release it and feel what is truly inside you mind, your thoughts. Those feelings are real, accept them, and acknowledge them. Break down those fears, accept the past, appreciate the wonders, and brush away the guilt, the shame. Forgive. Release.
Namaste.
So tell me:
Have you cried during yoga? Yes.
Are you willing to be vulnerable and truly commit to a life-long practice? Yes.
Agness of Fit Travelling
I couldn't agree more with you, Rebecca! Yoga awakes the best in you and it reveals who you really are.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure does!
theladyofabundance
I have experienced a few times when I got into a pose- usually restorative; something inside me just came unglued. I was perky and happy and not stressed going in.... but something happened when I got into the pose. Whatever it was, was long removed from knowing the source. It obviously was sitting in my body and the pose "unlocked" it. I would think it strange had I not witnessed other people going through it.
My WORST Yoga crying incident to date came when I went to a Yoga seminar/course over a weekend. The yoga teacher wanted us to go around and introduce ourselves, say who our first teacher was, and why we do Yoga. Prior to getting to me a few people had confessed the trying and tragic lives they had lived which lead them to Yoga - obviously emotional build up there.
Yoga means a LOT to me, and to make matters worse my first teacher was there- and sitting across from me. I know she doesn't have any memory of me; she struggled a lot with cancer several years ago and I was a young girl in high school back in the 90's when I started. But she was my first teacher and I was feeling awfully sentimental about it suddenly.
Aside form this a co worker and friend of mine committed suicide four weeks prior to this seminar. I felt like I had processed it rather well and many days went by when I didn't explode into tears even though I thought about her often.
Anyway they get to me, and I got out my name, who my teacher was and BAM! I exploded into hysterical ugly crying!! It was horrendous! I was gasping for air making terrible noises like a bird being strangled. It was so horrible and embarrassing that I hated myself for it for some time.
Even though people showed compassion and understanding I almost "expect" them to do that when I really think they believe I'm a crazy person. I never returned to that Yoga studio, I didn't want to be remembered as the person who turned into a big crying monster. <:)
Strength and Sunshine
Wow, thank you for sharing your story! Emotion shouldn't be something we have to hide and be embarrassed about. I love that you said the pose unlocked something, that is exactly what it is!
As for you other experience, don't feel bad about it. It was just raw emotion in the moment that got released and there is nothing to be ashamed about!
Camille Davis
after having two babies I need to get into a work out routine.. maybe ill try yoga!
Strength and Sunshine
That is a great place to start! Try an easy hatha class if you need to start slow!
Iva AwesomelyOZ
Happy SITS Day Rebecca! I haven't dedicated enough time to yoga to cry lol I always want to but feel intimidated and moreso after seeing you in all those pose. How long have you been practicing yoga? You make it look so easy!! Have a great one! -Iva
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you for reading and stopping by π I have been practicing for about 2 years. It is all a home-practice too, I have never been to a studio!
Don't feel intimidated! There are so many styles and levels and yoga is not about being the best! It is about finding yourself and learning about YOUR body and gaining confidence and peace in the process!
Martha (@QCPChic)
Happy SITS day! I'm starting to get back into yoga and while I haven't cried (yet), I definitely feel an intense mind/body connection while practicing. It leaves me feeling refreshed not just physically but emotionally and spiritually, too.
Strength and Sunshine
That is how I feel after my practice! I love it so much π Keep up your practice and I bet soon you will cry and it will be great, haha! Let me know when it happens π XOXO
Definitely Ashlee (@definiteashlee)
Last night, for the first time ever, I finally felt fully connected when I meditated. So that's one step closer for me to do yoga with an open-mind and heart. Knowing me, I'll cry my eyes out during yoga!
Strength and Sunshine
Congrats! Isn't it such a great feeling! No matter where you get that release, it is important to feel it somehow!
anotherjennifer
This post reminds me that I should get back into yoga again. Thank you!
Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Definitely get back to a practice! π
Jean Clark Lynd
I never cried or even came close, TBH. I don’t think I even see it in the same light, though. Happy SITS day!
Strength and Sunshine
Well keep practicing anyway!
Kim @ row L seat 1
I did yoga for about 5 years before my kids were born. I never cried during it, but I can see how it could easily happen! Maybe I just didn't push myself enough. π I'd love to get back into it... I really enjoyed it!
Strength and Sunshine
You should! It may take a very long time to get that release. You need to find the right practice and truly commit, but it will happen!
Beth @ Goodness Gracious Living
Yup, I have cried during yoga. And when I run and when I drive. I find that when I have time to let it all go and focus on myself, the release comes. Found you on SITS, and from your introduction, we have a lot in common: I'm veganish, I have a gluten sensitivity (along with eggs, dairy, and sesame) and I develop recipes to help my friends and clients (I'm a dietitian too). Nice to meet you π
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks for stopping by Beth! It is great you can get your release in different ways!
Rabia Lieber
I've never really done yoga, but I have a friend who keeps trying to get me to a class. I'd like to try it out, but finding the time to do it has been an obstacle.
Strength and Sunshine
You have to give it a try! If time is an issue just do a quick at home video!
theseanamethod
A friend and I have been practicing a Christian version of yoga for about 13 years now. I love it, and have been surprised how it has kept me in decent shape, even though my practice isn’t as intense as yours. Anytime I quiet the mind and the body (yoga, during worship, prayer…), I open up to experiencing the feelings that I set aside during the busy activity of the day. It is a great release! Happy SITS day!
Strength and Sunshine
That's great that you have kept a practice going for so long and one that you love π Any release is beautiful!
Nicole Nenninger
I’ve never cried during yoga–yet. It sounds like it’s a great release. I run a lot–and I get those feel-good endorphins. I’m thinking maybe I should balance it out with a little yoga. I actually do a 20-minute yoga video each week, but it’s more for stretching for athletes. Visiting from SITS…beautiful photos!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Nicole! Yoga is so beneficial for runners! Yoga is essential for any sport, perfect for those cross training days! I think any sport you love can give you that release in someway and that is why we have our favorite forms of fitness!
Bridget Green
I’ve never done straight up yoga (I was into pilates for a while; does that count?) but I can appreciate the beauty in the tone and the mood of your post. Stopping by from SITS
Strength and Sunshine
They are both different but yoga isn't just one thing either. There are so many styles completely unique from one another! Thanks for stopping by and reading π
Karen
Very well said. Beautiful Post:)
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Karen!
vitatrain4life
I have gotten away from my yoga practice to focus on running and cycling. When I was practicing two or three times a week, I absolutely loved it. I've definitely cried a time or two, usually in corpse pose at the end when it all sinks in. I love how you relate it to therapy but that you don't have to speak about it! I think that's what I love most about yoga and I will definitely return to it. Visiting from SITS today. Enjoy your day!
Strength and Sunshine
I always seem to cry in copra and boat pose no matter what. I think it is all the energy centered in the back that just breaks through. But you should get back to your practice as much as you can!!!
nailcentric
I only tried yoga during pregnancy and I must admit I liked it although I never thought I would.
Strength and Sunshine
You should keep at it! At a lot of people are surprised that when they actually commit to doing it, they fall in love!
Darkmoon
This article made me realize I had so much built up sadness and perhaps, anger. A few days ago, I started practicing the hero pose (virasana or guptasana) and felt a negative energy bursting in my chest, wanting to get out. Since I was in class I didn't want to let myself cry, but these two days I've been practicing it at home and it made me cry like a baby, not knowing why.
So now I know that I'm in a process of cleansing and am sure that when it's done I'll come out of it stronger and happier.
Thank you so much, I wish you all the best.
strengthandsunshine
That's great! Keep working at releasing you emotions in you practice. It feels so great even when you find it hard mentally π
Catherine
Beautiful post- reminding me why I miss my yoga practice and need to get back to it. There was more than one occasion in a group class where I began to cry during shivasana. A little embarrassed but such a sense of relief.
strengthandsunshine
Thank you lovely lady π Savasana is made for that finally release if it hasn't happened during class! Don't be embarrassed. Everyone is in their own world at that point, connecting with your self is all that matters!
Vidya Sury
Yoga is completely cleansing. I love how beautifully you've composed your post! Thank you. Happy to meet you via Deborah's blog hop! And yes, I've cried during Yoga and found it lightened my spirits
strengthandsunshine
Thank you so much Vidya π I felt writing this post was a release as well π
Deborah Smikle-Davis
Yoga is challenging for me. I have not cried but there were times when I felt like it. This powerful post took my appreciation for yoga to another level! Thank you partying with us at Live it up at the "Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party"! I am happy that you were a part of this! Looking forward to seeing your wonderful posts again.
All the best!
strengthandsunshine
Thank you so much Deborah! Keep challenging yourself on the mat and one day you will experience the breakthrough!
jackie
lovely post. so amazing that to feel so connected to yourself during a workout.
-- jackie @ jade and oak
strengthandsunshine
That's why I feel yoga is so much more than just a workout!
Amber
I've always wanted to try yoga, but haven't made the commitment.
I really like your blog! New follower π
strengthandsunshine
Thanks Amber! You should totally give it a try, it will be worth it! (P.S. I keep liking to this site, but it is so good for free videos so you can try out yoga right at home! http://www.doyogawithme.com)
Jenn
Thank you for this. I found myself bawling my eyes out in Upward Salute. The emotion was so incredibly intense, and it was like Mother Earth's life was breathing into me just before I started crying. Thank you so much for linking up to our link party, Share Your Stuff Tuesday.
Jenn @ IHeart Hands On
strengthandsunshine
I am glad you liked my post Jenn! It is wonderful that you have been able to experience that release π
emskiruns
I did yoga on a surf/yoga retreat this summer and I'd only ever done it once before and hated it. I gave it my all this time and really tried to get into it and couldn't believe that I actually enjoyed it.
I found myself crying during the frog pose one evening on the balcony and I felt like a right mess but wow did I feel better after - I think it was letting out a lot of feelings I was trying to work out while I was away.
I am still looking for a local yoga class in my hometown.
x
strengthandsunshine
I am so happy for you! Somtimes it just takes a few classes and practices to find the right fit and really embrace yoga. I hear it all the time that someone hated yoga the first time they did it, and then tried it again later on and fell in love! If you can't find a studio, try the videos on doyogawithme.com! they have some really awesome classes!
emskiruns
Oooh thanks for that tip I shall head over and check out that site need to get some yoga back in my life. x
strengthandsunshine
You will definitely find something there you'll love π
Kaylie @ FitnessMovesYou
I have cried 2x during yoga. Once during my very first time doing pigeon- apparently I was carrying a lot of built up negativity in my hips! It was such an amazing experience, though, to really open up and let go of psychotic all hurt in a physical way.<3
strengthandsunshine
It is a great experience and is so rewarding if we can find it and let it happen!
kristenk
I think this post came at a good time for me! I'm a runner and I have been reading so many running blogs that say that runners should do yoga. So yesterday I tried it for the first time in a few years and I cried...because it hurt! I'm really tight and my knees hurt from bumping up my milage in running so I think that's what caused it. But at the end when you lay on the mat letting everything relax I did feel really calm and blissed out (although all my muscles were shaking like crazy!). Today was one of the toughest days at work that I had in a while and I didn't freak out or cry, and I think doing yoga last night may have helped me get through it so calmly! I'm writing a new blog post tomorrow about yoga for runners and might link you up to it! Do you have any advice on poses/online videos that have good poses for runners? Especially ones whose knees hurt sometimes? Thanks!
strengthandsunshine
I am so glad my post resonated with you! Since you are just getting back into yoga and you want to watch you knees I would suggest much slower and gentler forms of yoga at first (not a power vinyasa, which happens to be my choice of class!) Additionally I would work on hip openers and back bends the most! Here are some links for videos that might be a good fit: http://www.doyogawithme.com/content/yoga-runners-post-run, http://www.doyogawithme.com/content/happy-hamstrings, http://www.doyogawithme.com/content/yoga-runners-injury-prevention, http://www.doyogawithme.com/content/foundations-flow. Email me if you have any questions or need more recommendations! Just go slow and listen to you body!
kristenk
Sweet! Thanks for the tips! I'm definitely going to share on my blog tomorrow! Yoga is a bit confusing to me right now so this helps a lot.
Arman @ thebigmansworld
You need to teach me how to enjoy yoga.... the only time I've liked it is when I went to a class and they said it was cancelled...oops. π
Your poses are incredible!
strengthandsunshine
Thank you Arman! It was fun taking all those photos, haha! Tripod, camera, self timer, 10s....it was a good time π
You probably just have not found the right teacher or style! I suggest doing some free online classes from my favorite instructor in the world Fiji McAlpine! search her name on doyogawithme.com! Tonight I actually just did her twists and foot balances (full class) video. I love her and every video she does is amazing!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
This is awesome. I haven't ever cried during yoga mostly because I did it in groups so I don't people to see me cry but I have done sensual dance by myself as a meditative practice and I have cried during those times when my mind gets clear and blank but all that's left is emotions and lets it out. It's an amazing feeling.
strengthandsunshine
Moving the body can be so powerful! I think that is another reason why exercise and activity is so important to have in your life if you want to be happy and healthy π
Davida @The Healthy Maven
Yup! Totally been there. I feel like it's a yoga right of passage! That and falling asleep during shevasana π
strengthandsunshine
Haha! Savasana is a great time to recollect and reflect on the moments too π
Melissa Burton
I've had a post bouncing in my head about this. I remember the first time I cried in yoga and my instructor just hugged me and smiled. She told me it was good and instead if feeling like the sap that I am down deep, I felt like I had broken through a personal barrier. It's still uncomfortable when I feel it happening but overall, it's good. Thanks for posting!
strengthandsunshine
I feel like I do some of my best thinking after I leave a practice like that so I welcome it full force π
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs
I have TOTALLY cried during yoga. I'm thankful I go to hot yoga so the tears are masked as sweat. I always feel so much clearer and lighter after a good cry in yoga.
strengthandsunshine
Haha, what a disguise! It is a great feeling to leave that way.