Why do I cry during restorative yoga?

Jun. 23

About 8 years ago, when I was in high school, I remember a yoga class that has since, allowed me to understand restorative yoga. I attended an ashram affiliated school with mandatory yoga classes no one was fond of. But I remember this one day when my friend slept off into one of the asanas (savasana) during yoga class, and my yoga teacher, noting the deep relaxation she was in, let her sleep through the next few study periods and miss out on giving a test in the later period too. We viewed yoga class differently after that, possibly as an opportunity to sleep and bunk classes! Now about 8 years later I realise the restorative yoga we were practicing!

Inexplicable tears, unexpected laughter, or even a strong sense of being present in the moment? Turns out, restorative yoga has the potential to bring out these kinds of deep seated emotions which live in the body and usually remain inaccessible. For many it is tears, for some like my friend it's very deep sleep, and for some it can even be bursts of laughter. But how and why does this happen, and how does restorative yoga find and release these emotions we may not even realise live within us? And is this good for us?

The mind, body, and heart as being intricately connected, means that our mental and emotional state of being impacts our physical health and vice versa. This is why emotions such as fear and anxiety trigger a state of wanting to curl up in a ball. When we feel stressed or anxious, our bodies may respond with muscle tension, shallow breathing and an increased heart rate. But on the other spectrum, when we engage in activities that create relaxation and calm, our bodies can respond with reduced tension, deeper breathing, and a slower heart rate. Restorative yoga as a gentle and nurturing practice aims to do exactly the latter. It fosters a safe and relaxed environment, complete with gentle poses or asanas designed to allow the body to ease into a position for longer holds and deeper relaxation.

Restorative yoga then, has been designed keeping in mind breathing patterns, and the body’s nervous system. The nervous system is divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight-or-freeze response, which is activated when we feel stressed or threatened. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is responsible for the body's rest-and-digest response, which is activated when we feel safe and relaxed. By playing into the parasympathetic nervous system, restorative yoga nurtures calmness and lets the body feel safe. Safety and relaxation allows true connectivity with the body. We are able to connect to the body while being conscious of the moment, our breathe and how it flows through the body. This can give an emotional release which is beneficial to our wellbeing.

Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Relaxation, slowing down, and connectivity with the body are some of the main takeaways of restorative yoga. This facilitates a whole host of benefits to the physical body, mind and soul, including:

Reduced stress and anxiety: By incorporating breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing, restorative yoga helps to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress levels.

Improved sleep quality and immune functions: Restorative yoga poses can help to increase blood flow and circulation which nourishes the tissues. The body is then better able to transport immune cells to areas of the body where they are needed, which can help to improve immune function. Increased circulation also promotes the removal of waste products. This supports the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste products from the body. Aids in better sleep.
Better flexibility and range of motion: Longer holds means more time and more breaths for the body and muscles to get deeper into the stretches, and for the mind to be more prepared, allowing relaxation. This allows the body to be more receptive to gentle stretching and movement. Most restorative yoga poses release tension in the spine and the hips, and by aligning the body and reducing tension, the muscles are better able to support the spine, which can help to improve flexibility, range of motion and posture.
Enhanced mindfulness: A relaxed body, mind and atmosphere from the practice of restorative yoga creates space for introspection, mindfulness and self-awareness.
Reduced physical tension and pain: Gentle stretching of muscles and connective tissue from the poses, alleviates some tension and tightness in the physical body.

What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative yoga and therapeutic yoga: Is there a difference?

Given the emotional and psychological benefits of restorative yoga, it is increasingly being used in therapy sessions and can benefit people who have experienced trauma or for those who have difficulty expressing their emotions through traditional talk therapy. By accessing the mind-body connection, restorative yoga can help individuals connect with their emotions in a non-verbal way, and provide a safe space for emotional release. In this sense it can be associated with therapeutic yoga! But the two also do differ. Therapeutic yoga is a more active and dynamic style of yoga that is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy to address specific health concerns. It can involve a combination of postures, breathing techniques and meditation and is focused on alleviating certain specific problems. Restorative yoga in comparison is focused on relaxation and stress reduction and involves longer holds. In this sense, it has a more broad approach, and can be more accessible for people who want to start out using yoga as a therapeutic form. Restorative yoga then, is very beginner-friendly, and one that can be easily practiced at home!

Key restorative yoga poses

Here are some poses you can try at home! These require no equipment or props, just a relatively relaxed environment. The use of props in restorative yoga however, can make it easier to get deeper into stretches. Props include bolsters, yoga blocks and straps, but these can be substituted with blankets, towels and pillows. Modifications with props are given below.

Child’s pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart and your toes touching. Lower your torso down towards the floor, stretching your arms out in front of you. This pose can help to release tension in the back and hips.

With props: Place a bolster or a folded blanket on the floor and kneel in front of it. Place your hands on the bolster or blanket and lower your torso down onto it, resting your forehead on the prop.

Legs-up-on-the-wall pose (Viparita Karani): Lie down on your back with your legs extended up against a wall. This pose can help to reduce swelling and tension in the legs and promote relaxation.

With props: Lie down on the floor with your hips close to a wall. Place a folded blanket or a bolster under your hips and extend your legs up against the wall.

Pigeon pose: Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, slide your right knee forward and place it behind your right wrist. Your right foot should come across and be behind your left wrist. Extend your left leg and breathe into the pose. Option to lay your torso down.

With props: Place a bolster or a folded blanket on the floor and come into a pigeon pose with your front knee bent and your back leg extended behind you. Place your torso over the bolster or blanket and allow your forehead to rest on your hands. This pose can help to release tension in the hips and back.

Savasana: Lie down on your back with your arms by your sides and your palms facing up. Allow your body to completely relax and let go of any tension or stress. Note of caution you may dose off!

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): Lie down on your back and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to fall out to the sides. Place your hands on your belly and breathe deeply. This pose can help to open the hips and release tension in the lower back.

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Reach forward and try to touch your toes, keeping your spine long. This pose can help to stretch the hamstrings and release tension in the back. If you wish for more of a stretch in the hamstrings and legs, fold forward with your hips, and try to get your abdomen to touch your legs. If you wish for more of a stretch in the back you can fold over with your back.

These poses are great to practice restorative yoga at home or in a comfortable environment. While an emotional release or therapeutic effects may not always show themselves or be immediately felt, starting up a restorative yoga practice is healing to the body and mind, and honours the body-mind connection. This healing and connection with the self can also be nurtured in community, where you can engage with others and feel grounded in a social relaxed environment. Restorative yoga classes are amazing to try, and some in Vancouver include Karma Teachers yoga teacher training.

In conclusion, the journey towards self-discovery and well-being is a personal one that requires constant dedication and effort. Throughout this article, we have explored the transformative power of yoga and its ability to foster a deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. By embracing the practice of yoga, individuals have the opportunity to unlock their true potential and tap into a wellspring of inner strength and peace.

Yoga, at its core, is not just a physical exercise; it is a way of life that encompasses mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection. Through the various postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices, yoga provides a holistic approach to health and wellness. It not only strengthens the physical body but also calms the mind and nourishes the soul.

In today's fast-paced and highly stressful world, the need for self-care and self-awareness has become more imperative than ever. Yoga offers a sanctuary, a safe space where individuals can slow down, let go of their worries, and reconnect with themselves. It allows one to cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness, enabling them to better understand their thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Furthermore, by practicing yoga, individuals learn to embrace imperfections and foster self-acceptance. The physical limitations and challenges encountered on the mat often serve as powerful metaphors for life's obstacles. Through persistent effort and a compassionate mindset, yogis develop resilience and see adversity as an opportunity for growth.

Beyond cultivating individual well-being, yoga has the power to build communities and foster social connections. In a yoga class, people from all walks of life come together to support each other and share a common intention. The collective energy and unity created within these spaces ripple out into the wider world, promoting empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging.

Ultimately, the practice of yoga is a lifelong journey that holds the potential for continued growth and self-discovery. As we progress on this path, we become more attuned to our bodies, more present in our lives, and more compassionate towards ourselves and others. Through yoga, we not only find physical strength, flexibility, and balance but also cultivate a deep sense of inner peace and harmony.

So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, I encourage you to embark upon this transformative journey for yourself. Seek out a local yoga studio, join a community class, or explore online resources. Embrace the practice of yoga with an open heart and an open mind, and discover the profound impact it can have