Dear Rose # 24 - Yoga, Burping & the Vagus Nerve

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

I can’t believe I’m going to admit this publicly, but in every yoga class, I burp and think of Donald Trump.

One doesn’t necessarily lead to the other (although I guess it could?), so let me explain.

Usually, during a Sun Salutation, I feel the need to burp. It's not loud or ostentatious, but I often have to time when I speak so it’s not noticeable to my students (or maybe it is...). I used to feel really embarrassed about it until I read the book, “Healing through the vagus nerve”.

It suggests that burping, stomach gurgling, and yawning are all signs that the body is moving out of "fight or flight" and starting to fully relax. Knowing this has changed how I feel about those moments.

And as for Donald Trump? Well, we do our Loving-Kindness meditation at the end of class. When I guide my students through the "tricky person" section, guess who pops into my head?

Luckily, by that stage, I’m in such a state of deep relaxation that even HE can’t ruin my bliss.

I always wonder what internal things are happening for my students during a class. You’re always welcome to share.

Love, Em xx