The Ex Outlet

There is no cure for heartbreak, but yoga comes very, very close. What I’ve learned from spending thousands of hours in yoga classes and studios is that it often takes a specific, and sometimes a very drastic reason for someone to give yoga a try. After all, the poses do look intimidating, and isn’t that the section of Eat, Pray, Love I just didn’t get? Well, before Liz Gilbert found Javier Bardem, she mended her heart with countless of hours of yoga…and here is why we think you should give it a try too!

Breath. If you have had your heart broken in a major way, my guess is that you probably have stopped breathing. Divorce and heartache can put your body in stress mode which shortens your breath and deprives your brain of oxygen. Although you may think yoga is just physical exercise, breathing is at the heart of yoga philosophy, and a more important practice to achieving bliss than the physical postures. Ask your teacher to show you some old yogic breathing techniques and start doing these every day. You will notice your body start to relax and your heart start to heal. It is a nice feeling when you are used to being in panic mode.

Community. Yoga classes tend to attract really authentic and nice people. They are the kind of people that can lift your spirits (Think Richard from Texas). They are likely to be different than the people you would meet mending your heartbreak at the local bar. People doing yoga at the gym might just be looking for a workout, but yoga has a funny way of bringing out the best in all people. Did I mention there are a lot of good looking single people in those classes? Don’t let that distract you too much.

Connection. This is something you just have to experience for yourself. As you practice, you start to become aware of body parts you never thought about (You want me to wiggle my pinky toe? Breathe into my calve? Really?). You can feel energy moving through your body and feel how you are connected to the universe, instead of single and alone. This is the part where people who have practiced yoga for a long time start to sound weird. But I promise, if you start doing yoga, this will happen to you too.

Body. I almost didn’t want to mention it. It is definitely not the point of yoga. The physical postures are done so that you can prepare your body for meditation. But, thank you God, because these postures give you a kick-ass yoga body. The next person that has the pleasure of dating you will certainly appreciate your new found strength and flexibility. Yoga means union and when that union is between your body and your mind, you will be on top of, and one with, the world.

Meditation. So now that your body and mind are prepared, you can meditate. Ok, yeah right. Well, at least you can try. Meditation is hard, which is why I think a lot of yoga studios kick you out right after class. The postures are much easier to teach. After class, try to sit for a few minutes and observe your thoughts. If you can, try to stop them. If you are unable to stop your thoughts (you know, those really negative ones that make you feel really bad about yourself), at least try to redirect them in a positive direction. You will notice this is much easier after a yoga class.

So, what are you waiting for? Find a yoga class and give it a try. It really does help with heartache and it just might put you on a path to finding your Javier. Yoga retreats in Bali anyone?

There are many types and levels of yoga, so if the first class you go to does not tickle your fancy, try another one. There is a yoga style and teacher for everyone!