How yoga helped me… stand tall, both literally and emotionally

Yoga can make us stand tall, in many ways

This is an on-going series of yoga stories submitted by Yoga Lunchbox readers. Tell us how yoga changed your lift here.

By Anonymous

I’ve been a sporty type for 10 years or so now I go through phases of running, biking, and weight training.

Over the last 5 years I’ve found yoga and since then it has typically part been part of my weekly routine. I’m prone to very bad posture and yoga has taught me to be aware of my body.

More specifically, it has helped me become aware of how nice it feels to expand and stretch my body so that I stand tall and embrace the world around me.

Don’t get me wrong I still like other sorts of exercise. But yoga has become a more permanent aspect of my life because as well as the physical fitness that it fosters it also cultivates emotional wellbeing.

A moment that has really stood out to me was during one practice session… I was going through some relationship problems at the time. About half way through the practice the emotions started to come out, seemingly from nowhere. I started to cry. Since the relationship troubles had started I hadn’t given myself that opportunity. Unfortunately, I was in a group class so I was more than a little embarrassed, but there was no stopping it… those emotions were coming out!

That experience really opened my eyes to what yoga can offer. It helps me harmonize my physical and emotional self. Giving me a tool to feel, and become more centered when emotions run wild. Thus, allowing me to stand tall and experience the world, rather than hunching over hoping that my troubles will role off my back.