I Rarely Let Myself Cry in Front of Others—Except When I’m in Yoga Class

Why Tears Flow More Easily on the Mat

Laura Underwood rarely allows herself to cry in public, keeping her emotions tightly guarded in daily life. However, she makes a consistent exception during her yoga practice, where tears often come freely and without shame. Published on August 23, 2026, her personal reflection in Yoga Journal explores why this safe space allows emotional release that feels impossible elsewhere.

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The yoga studio has become a sanctuary where Underwood can let down her guard, trusting the environment to hold her vulnerability. She describes how the combination of breathwork, mindful movement, and the nonjudgmental atmosphere creates a unique permission to feel deeply. Unlike in social or professional settings, where she fears being seen as weak or disruptive, yoga offers a container where crying is not only accepted but sometimes encouraged as part of the healing process. She emphasizes that she has no intention of stopping this practice, viewing it as essential to her emotional well-being.

What If We Allowed Ourselves to Cry More Often?

Underwood explains that the physicality of yoga helps unlock emotions stored in the body, particularly in poses that open the hips or chest. She notes that instructors often remind students that releasing tension can bring up unexpected feelings, normalizing the experience. Over time, she has come to see these moments not as breakdowns but as breakthroughs—signs that she is processing stress, grief, or joy that she usually suppresses. The absence of mirrors in some studios also helps her focus inward without self-consciousness, allowing tears to come without the added pressure of how she might appear.

She questions why society treats public crying as a failure of composure when it is, in fact, a natural human response. Underwood suggests that if more people had access to spaces like yoga classes—where emotional honesty is met with calm acceptance—there might be less stigma around vulnerability. She imagines a world where emotional release isn’t confined to private rooms or fitness studios but is welcomed in everyday interactions. Until then, she remains grateful for the mat as a place where she can be fully human, tears and all.

Does crying during yoga mean I’m doing it wrong? No, crying during yoga is not a sign of improper practice. It can indicate emotional release tied to physical tension or mindfulness, and many teachers view it as a healthy part of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it common for people to cry in yoga classes? While not everyone cries, it is a relatively common experience, especially in slower, more reflective styles like yin or restorative yoga, where held poses can surface deep-seated emotions.

Should I tell my yoga instructor if I feel like crying? You don’t need to announce it, but letting a trusted instructor know beforehand can help them offer support or space if needed. Most are trained to hold space for emotional moments without disruption.