Emotions are the language of our inner world. They show us how we are truly feeling—often faster than our mind can grasp it. Joy makes us expand, sadness draws us inward, fear constricts, anger brings heat and tension. Emotions do not arise only in the mind: they express themselves in the body, in the breath, in our posture, and in our thoughts.

Perhaps you feel pressure in your chest when stressed, a queasy sensation in your stomach when worried, or shallow, rapid breathing when overwhelmed. All of these are signals from your nervous system. Emotions are not trying to do us anything “bad”—they want to be acknowledged, understood, and regulated.

How can we relate to emotions in a healthy way?

The first step is to allow feelings without judging them. Instead of “I shouldn’t feel this,” an inner attitude of “This is how it is right now” can emerge. The second step is to include the body. Emotions rarely dissolve through thinking alone—they need space, breath, and movement. This is exactly where yoga comes in.

Emotions in Yoga

Yoga has been practiced in the Far East for thousands of years in India. From this tradition comes the image of a person who rests within themselves, living in harmony with themselves, with life, and with nature. What was long considered spiritual wisdom is now also well researched in the West: the holistic approach of yoga can have a significant impact on our psyche and emotional balance.

One could almost say that yoga has by now become one of the best-researched methods in natural medicine. Although it is not formally classified as part of naturopathy, numerous studies show that a regular yoga practice—especially when combined with breathing exercises and meditation—can lead to measurable changes in the brain. Practitioners have been found to exhibit increased release of “happiness hormones” such as dopamine and serotonin, as well as the calming neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA has anxiety-reducing and stabilizing effects and supports a sense of inner calm. Many participants reported improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater overall well-being after just a few weeks of yoga practice.

Yoga has also been shown to have positive effects on the functioning of our organs. About 100 years ago, during the time of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (lived from November 18, 1888 to February 28, 1989), also known as the father of modern yoga, people came to him seeking healing through yoga—and many found it.

Yoga is an interplay of asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. Through this connection, we learn to calm wandering thoughts and return again and again to the present moment—the moment in which we feel, decide, and respond consciously.

An important component is autosuggestion. In meditation, calming or strengthening thoughts—such as “I am safe” or “I am strong”—are consciously repeated until they anchor themselves in the subconscious. In this way, we can actively shape our inner attitude. Certain postures also support this process: asanas such as the Warrior or the Visionary Warrior allow us to stand upright, open, and powerful in life.

Gateway to our emotions

One of the most direct gateways to our emotions is the breath. Under stress it becomes shallow; in fear it may feel blocked; in calmness it is deep and steady. Many people breathe unconsciously too short and too shallow. Yoga invites us to rediscover the breath—through clavicular, chest, and abdominal breathing. With conscious breath guidance, the nervous system calms down, thoughts fade into the background, and inner restlessness can dissolve. This breath work is especially valuable for people experiencing anxiety, depressive moods, or exhaustion.

Feelings come and go like clouds in the sky. We are the sky, not the clouds.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk from Vietnam (1926-2022)

Yoga is a cycle

a strong, flexible body supports a strained psyche, and inner strength helps release physical tension. Yoga does not help us control or suppress emotions—but rather to perceive them consciously, accompany them, and integrate them. Emotions are allowed to be there!

Yoga helps us to learn how to meet them with calm, clarity, and compassion. We learn to take the helm again and not be steered by our emotions.

Namaste,
Karin