Have you ever found yourself in a yoga class when the instructor poses a question about sharing the benefits of your practice with someone else? This thought crossed my mind during a recent class and left me puzzled. How could I possibly share the stretching, strengthening, and mind-opening experiences of the last hour with someone who wasn’t there? After all, I couldn’t simply transfer my newfound flexibility or the challenge of those countless chaturangas to another person. What did my instructor mean by this concept of sharing the benefits of my yoga practice?
To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to ask. Her response came swiftly, as if it were second nature to her. She spoke of the deep connection we share with all living things — from oceans and trees to fellow humans. When we elevate our own energy through practices like yoga, it vibrates outward, influencing everything around us.
This notion of interconnectedness is a fundamental principle in yoga, and while it may seem abstract in a world that often feels disconnected, I appreciated her perspective. I chose to reflect on it for a while longer. When I rolled up my mat to leave the studio, I found myself in my usual post-yoga state: a little calmer and significantly more openhearted than I had been before entering the class. Strangely enough, this newfound openness inspired me to act kindly — I automatically held the door open for someone entering the studio as I exited, simply because it felt like the right thing to do.
Arriving home, I noticed a mess created by my children in the living room. Normally, I might have felt overwhelmed or frustrated, but that day, I stepped around it without a second thought, heading straight for the kitchen. It dawned on me that yoga fosters a spaciousness in both the mind and body. This clarity was transforming my reactions, making me less anxious and more composed, qualities that positively affect everyone around me.
Gradually, it became clear how my yoga practice could have a ripple effect on others. However, I began to realize that this capacity to share benefits extends beyond yoga alone. Every form of self-care, whether it’s immersing myself in a good book for some quiet time or sweating it out in a barre class, nourishes my well-being. This self-care reflects in how I interact with those around me; when I care for myself, I’m able to extend that care to others more effectively. Conversely, when I’m depleted, I may feel irritable and impatient, which can make me less enjoyable to be around.
While the idea of universal connection may seem lofty, it becomes much more tangible when we understand that it’s a simple trickle-down effect: when we prioritize our own well-being, we become more capable of caring for, and being of service to others.
What kinds of self-care practices resonate with you?
—Elysha
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