Yoga has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until recently that I truly understood its power to heal. This week, I found myself facing emotions I wasn’t sure how to process. Instead of pushing them aside or letting them overwhelm me, I decided to lean into my yoga practice in a new way—using it as a tool to work through my hurt and find emotional balance.
Recognizing the Need for Change
For years, my yoga practice was centered around physical fitness and flexibility. I enjoyed the challenge of mastering new poses, pushing my body to its limits, and feeling the rush of endorphins after a session. But as life threw emotional challenges my way, I began to notice that these physical achievements weren’t enough to address the deeper turmoil I was experiencing.
I realized I needed to shift my focus from the external benefits of yoga to the internal. It wasn’t just about perfecting my downward dog or holding a headstand for longer; it was about connecting with my inner self and using yoga as a space to heal.
Embracing a More Mindful Practice
The first change I made was slowing down. Instead of flowing quickly from one pose to the next, I took my time, allowing myself to fully experience each movement. I started each session with a few minutes of meditation, setting an intention to honor my emotions rather than suppress them.
Incorporating more mindfulness into my practice allowed me to become more attuned to how my body was holding onto stress and pain. I noticed the tension in my shoulders, the tightness in my chest, and the knots in my stomach. By bringing awareness to these areas, I was able to use my breath to gently release some of that tension.
Poses for Emotional Release
Certain yoga poses have always had a calming effect on me, but now, I began to approach them with a new purpose. Heart-opening poses like Camel (Ustrasana) and Bridge (Setu Bandhasana) became integral parts of my practice. These poses, which focus on opening the chest and stretching the front of the body, helped me access and release the emotions stored in my heart space.
Child’s Pose (Balasana) became a sanctuary for me, a place where I could surrender completely. I spent longer in this pose than ever before, allowing myself to feel supported and safe as I processed my emotions. It became a moment of deep rest and reflection, where I could reconnect with myself without any external distractions.
Twists, such as Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana), helped me wring out the emotional buildup that was weighing me down. I visualized each twist as a way to detoxify not just my body, but also my mind, letting go of negativity and making space for healing.
The Power of Breath
One of the most profound changes in my yoga practice was my newfound focus on breathwork. I began incorporating Pranayama (breathing exercises) into my sessions, using breath to guide me through difficult emotions. When I felt overwhelmed, I turned to deep, diaphragmatic breathing, which helped calm my nervous system and bring me back to the present moment.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) became a go-to technique when I needed to restore balance. This simple practice helped me find equilibrium, both physically and emotionally, allowing me to approach my day with a clearer mind and a steadier heart.
Allowing Space for Emotions
Perhaps the most important lesson I learned this week was the importance of giving myself permission to feel. In the past, I often tried to rush through or ignore difficult emotions, fearing they would consume me if I allowed them to surface. But yoga taught me that emotions, like waves, come and go—they rise, crest, and eventually recede.
By allowing myself to fully experience these emotions on the mat, I found that they lost some of their power over me. I cried in Child’s Pose, screamed into a bolster during Savasana, and let out deep, primal breaths in Warrior II. Through these releases, I discovered that my emotions didn’t need to be feared or avoided—they needed to be acknowledged and honored.
Moving Forward with a New Perspective
As I continue on this journey, I’m learning that yoga is so much more than a physical practice. It’s a space where I can explore and heal my inner world, one breath and one pose at a time. This week, by shifting my approach to yoga, I’ve found a deeper connection to myself and a powerful tool for navigating life’s emotional challenges.
I encourage anyone facing their own emotional struggles to consider turning to yoga—not just as a workout, but as a practice of self-compassion and healing. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, there’s always room to explore the emotional depths of this beautiful practice. Allow yourself the space to feel, to release, and to grow. The best version of yourself is waiting on the other side.