3 reasons why it is okay to cry in your yoga class

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By: Lauren Tai

what does it mean when you cry for no reason

I used to find crying embarrassing, a sign of weakness and I would do my best to never cry in public, especially in a yoga class. However, in a recent class, tears came pouring from my eyes as I was in Pigeon Pose. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I embraced the sense of weightlessness and space I felt from the release, and I left the class feeling lighter than ever.

1.It is better to let it all go.

Crying is a form of release. Some places in our bodies, like our hips, hold onto deep rooted emotions, so when doing heart openers or hip openers it’s very common for emotions to surface, even if there’s no trigger behind them. Crying helps these deep-seated emotions release, allowing us to find more space in our bodies and move on from any of these old feelings we no longer need. It just felt as if a weight off my shoulders had been lifted even though I couldn’t pinpoint where these emotions were coming from. Holding in emotions will create tension in the body, so it’s better to allow them to flow!

2. It is okay to feel.

I used to spend a lot of time trying to repress any negative emotions I felt, like sadness, anger, frustration and jealousy because of the negative connotations such emotions have. However, I’ve learned to acknowledge all my feelings, both the good and bad. We are all entitled to feel what we want, whether happy or sad. Just embrace whatever you feel with kindness and without judgment.

3. No one will mind.

I’ve always felt self-conscious about expressing my feelings in public and being vulnerable. I was worried that people would be looking at me and staring. However, yogis are some of the most supportive and caring people I know. In fact, it was a beautiful moment to share. During this class, another student next to me, also a yoga teacher, started to cry too. After the class, she came up to me and gave me a hug. This connection to another person was so comforting and uplifting. Sharing emotions and feelings with others is a beautiful experience we shouldn’t shy away from.

Remember that it’s okay to cry or even laugh in your yoga practice. When you start to feel something in yoga, it means that yoga is doing its work! Just observe what comes up with love and then let it go.