fbpx

How Yoga Tunes You Into Your Energy

Unite in Energy: Be Mindful of Feelings and Emotions 

Hey friends, this week we’re diving into a topic that most people would rather avoid—feelings and emotions. Yep, I said it. If you’re the type who’d rather run a mile than face what’s really going on inside, stick with me. I promise, it’s not as terrifying as it sounds. 

Here’s the thing: Yoga isn’t just about moving your body or quieting your mind. It’s about learning to feel—and I mean really feel. For many of us, emotions are like unwanted houseguests. We’d rather lock them away and throw away the key, thinking they’ll sort themselves out. But spoiler alert: they don’t. 

In fact, the more you ignore what’s going on inside, the more it festers. You might not even notice it at first, but suddenly, you’re irritable, anxious, or feeling out of sorts, and you can’t figure out why. Well, I’m here to tell you—it’s because you’re not paying attention to your energy. And by energy, I’m talking about feelings and emotions. 

Energy Isn’t Some Woo-Woo Concept 

Before you roll your eyes and think I’m getting all “out there,” let me break it down. When we talk about energy in Yoga, we’re not getting into anything mystical or far-fetched. Energy is simply what moves you, what motivates you, and—on a deeper level—what influences how you feel. 

Think about it: you know what it feels like when you’ve got no energy, right? That sluggish, can’t-be-bothered feeling where everything feels like a chore. And on the flip side, you know what it’s like to be buzzing with energy—full of life and excitement. That’s what I’m talking about. Yoga gives us the tools to work with these energy shifts, and better yet, to understand them. 

Now, a lot of this energy is driven by our emotions. They’re what give colour and depth to our experience, but most of us are terrible at listening to them. We bottle them up, push them down, or distract ourselves with anything we can—food, social media, Netflix binges, you name it. The problem is, those emotions don’t disappear. They just sit there, affecting how you feel physically and mentally, without you even realising it. 

How Yoga Helps You Tune into Your Energy 

So how does Yoga help with all this emotional energy? First, by getting you to move. Yes, really. Movement is a powerful way to shift stuck energy. Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after a good yoga class or even just a walk? That’s because physical movement gets your energy flowing. 

But we’re not just talking about any old movement. The way we practise in Yoga—especially in Asana—is all about moving with awareness. You’re not just going through the motions; you’re paying attention to how your body feels, where you’re holding tension, and how your breath moves through you. All of this brings you into the present moment and connects you to what’s going on inside. 

As you move and breathe, emotions might start to surface. Maybe you feel a sudden release in a deep stretch, or you find yourself unexpectedly tearful in a long-held pose. This is good—it’s energy moving. Yoga gives you a safe space to feel whatever comes up, without judgement or distraction. You’re learning to recognise your energy and work with it, rather than against it. 

Why We Need to Stop Labelling Emotions as Good or Bad 

One of the biggest mistakes we make is labelling our emotions as “good” or “bad.” We love feeling happy, joyful, and excited, but we’d rather avoid anger, sadness, or frustration. But here’s the truth: emotions are just energy in motion. They’re not inherently good or bad. They’re just part of being human. 

When you practice Yoga, you learn to let go of these labels. Instead of thinking, “I’m feeling stressed—this is bad,” you start to think, “I’m feeling stressed—what’s my body trying to tell me?” Maybe it’s time to slow down, take a breath, or let something go. When we stop resisting emotions and start listening to them, we begin to understand that they’re just signals. They’re pointing us toward something that needs attention. 

Take a moment to think about how this applies to your everyday life. How often do you push away uncomfortable feelings, hoping they’ll disappear? How often do you distract yourself with work, social media, or anything else to avoid sitting with what’s really going on? Yoga teaches you that it’s okay to feel. In fact, it’s essential. 

The Power of Awareness: Feeling Without Getting Swept Away 

Now, I’m not saying you should let your emotions run the show. We’ve all been there—caught in a whirlwind of feelings, completely at the mercy of whatever’s going on inside. That’s not what we’re aiming for. 

In Yoga, we practice awareness. That means being fully present with your emotions, without letting them take over. When you’re in a pose and start feeling frustrated, instead of getting lost in the feeling, you breathe into it. You acknowledge it, feel it, and then let it pass. This is where the real power of Yoga lies—not in avoiding discomfort, but in learning how to be with it without being consumed by it. 

This practice of awareness on the mat translates directly into your daily life. The next time you feel angry, anxious, or upset, instead of reacting automatically, you take a breath. You notice what you’re feeling without judgement, and you make a conscious choice about how to respond. Over time, this kind of awareness becomes second nature. You stop getting swept away by every passing emotion, and instead, you learn to ride the waves with a little more grace and balance. 

How the YL App Can Help You Tune In 

If you’re looking for ways to explore this more, the Yoga Local App is a great tool to help you stay connected to your practice—and your emotions—whether you’re in the studio or not. With guided yoga sessions, meditation practices, and even simple breathing exercises, the app gives you the flexibility to work with your energy anytime, anywhere. 

Maybe you’ve had a tough day and need a short practice to release some pent-up tension. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore deeper emotional work through meditation. Whatever it is, the YL App has you covered. It’s like having a yoga studio and community right in your pocket, ready to support you whenever you need it. 

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’ll start to notice the shifts in your energy. You’ll become more aware of how you feel—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And that awareness is the key to true connection and balance. 

So, if you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to download the YL App and start exploring the wealth of resources available to help you connect with your energy on a deeper level. Whether you’ve got five minutes or a full hour, there’s something there for everyone. 

Final Thoughts: Emotions Are Your Compass 

At the end of the day, your emotions aren’t something to be feared or pushed aside. They’re a compass, pointing you in the direction of what needs your attention. Yoga teaches us that by tuning into our energy—our feelings, emotions, and sensations—we can live more fully connected to ourselves and to the world around us. 

Next time you find yourself feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed, take a breath. Tune into your body. Notice where you’re holding tension and what emotions are bubbling beneath the surface. And remember, it’s not about fixing or controlling how you feel. It’s about listening, allowing, and staying present with whatever arises. 

I’ll leave you with this: Your energy is constantly moving, constantly changing. And when you learn to move with it—rather than resist it—you start to feel more connected, more alive, and more in tune with the flow of life. So, keep practising, keep tuning in, and I’ll see you on the mat—or on the app! 

Josie 

Archives