I’ve mentioned before how working out is a form of stress relief for me. Running has been one of my outlets for years, and now Yoga has joined the mix. One of the things I’ve noticed is people crying at Yoga, myself included. Yoga is a different type of workout. It requires being still, holding a pose, being present inside your mind, and holding while being still and present.
Just as with running, there is something deeply therapeutic about a Yoga class. It can and has been challenging for me, leaving my muscles sore for days on end. However, there is something about stretching and pulling the muscles, holding a position, and simply stretching. There is a sense of the stress melting away from your body. Similar to when you get a massage, but with more effort on your part.
Circumstances and the instructors play a major part in how we respond to the training. I’ve taken quite a few classes, and only one instructor has consistently brought me to tears by the end of the session. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it happens. Once it was the music that triggered something in me and the waterworks came forward. Other times, more personal things have caused it.
Yesterday, I took a Yoga class, and the instructor began reciting prayers at the end. To me, it sounded peaceful, and I laid back listening to them while in the “corpse pose.” I don’t know how to spell shavasanah, sorry. Anyway, without knowing it, the prayers he was saying held special meaning for a friend of mine. These were the exact words that their father used to say, and the person was moved to tears. They told me it felt as though it was their dad speaking to them, and the waterworks came forth. I held them close for a moment and offered my moist, sweaty shoulder and a warm embrace.
We talked about it and came to the conclusion that this was something more. Yesterday was Father’s Day. This instructor usually doesn’t say prayers, and on this day, of all days? When this person was thinking about their dad, the prayer was said? Life has its coincidences, but sometimes things feel too meaningful to be just coincidence, don’t they? We believe that their dad was sharing a moment with them through the class. After some tears, my friend felt better and carried on with their day. I asked permission to share this story with you all.
Fitness is great for the body; we know this. But never doubt the effect it can have on your mind, heart, and soul. I love you, my friend.
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