Our Emotional Ripple Effect Has a Profound Effect on Others

After class the other day, we were discussing what drives us to practice yoga regularly.

I was inspired to hear several yogis who started in their 50s and 60s say how much more they enjoy life when they practice just a couple of times a week. One spoke about how she no longer needs to take painkillers, and she can now garden without her hips and knees hurting and feeling completely exhausted afterward.

The primary reason for most of the group was the breath work and its impact on their mental health and sense of well-being. This is what makes this practice unique from other exercises.

When we regulate our breath, we regulate our emotions.

I shared that I have to practice every day to keep my chronic back pain at bay. If I miss a day or two, my back starts aching, and I become much more anxious, irritable, and reactive.

I actually feel grateful for my back pain because it reminds me to practice, which ends up relieving not only my back pain but also my emotional tension. When I feel free in my body and mind, which is the benefit of regular practice, I'm a nicer person to myself and those around me.

The ripple effect of feeling peaceful spreads to those around us. Our emotional state is contagious. When we're anxious, others, especially those closest to us, are also affected by it. The same goes when we're feeling peaceful and free. We're much nicer to be around and have a greater impact as a peace spreader without having to say anything; our energy vibration (our vibe) speaks louder than words.

When a stressed-out mother enters a class overwhelmed and exhausted, and leaves calm, smiling, and relaxed, I know that she's going home to her children as a much better version of herself, which has a profound impact on them.

The same applies to teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, therapists, and all the other professions that support others. When they experience that calm, peaceful, spaciousness after a class, they can show up for their students, clients, and patients with a relaxed presence that in itself is healing to be around.

As yoga becomes increasingly mainstream, it's being prescribed by doctors, offered in schools (where mindfulness meditation is now replacing detention!), as well as in rehabilitation facilities, prisons, sports clubs, retirement centers, and more.

We can be peace spreaders in all of these environments and witness the profound relief felt after a class. It's so fulfilling! And with all that's happening in the world, we need peace spreaders more than ever.

From my heart to yours~

Namaste,

Maggie