What Happens On The Mat, Stays On The Mat

When we sign up for a yoga retreat, a sound healing workshop, deep meditative practice, or any other workshop, we embark on a journey that goes far deeper than the superficial level. We seek to experience what lies beneath the surface of consciousness, we strive to hear our true selves again. We want to get back in touch with our bodies, be aware of the breath and feel the energy moving.

And without the outside disturbances it is easier to draw within. Without being constantly reminded that the world is still spinning seemingly out of control, that the emails need to be responded and calls answered, without feeling obliged to hear every breaking news and be on top of all our families’ activities – the world miraculously slows down. The world doesn’t cease to exist, but other things resurface. Thoughts and feeling that have long been neglected, the pain that has been ignored or numbed for too long, the joy of life that was thought to be lost forever. Our true emotions, feelings and impulses don’t become the only important thing, but they become the focus.

We retrieve from the craziness and rushing and responsibilities not to hide away from them and make them disappear, but to recenter. To ground, to go back to who we were when life seemed simpler. To be remembered why we ventured into these adventures in the first place. To reevaluate if its still as important as before, to rediscover if the joy in doing them is still alive.

And sometimes this process is very hard. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes we just don’t want to hear the truth – the truth that is our own only, not imposed from others, or by norms and regulations. Its not easy to see ourselves in the mirror of our soul, naked and vulnerable. Tears are shed, body gives in the shaking.

But then something else happens – the pain is released, all those emotions swept under the rug are acknowledged, the body is very clear to say what it needs. And then there is light, there are colors, there is soothing music. There is calm and reassurance that it will all be all right. There is lightness and hope, there is pure joy. There is love. And the feeling of being everything. And nothing at the same time. That we belong, that it is ok to feel a bit lost, only to be found again. That it is ok to admit that we need help, that it is not only ok but so very important to take time for ourselves so we can be the best version of who we are.

And the mat witnesses it all. The yoga mat absorbs our energy, that’s why its so intimate, providing the comfort and familiarity. On our mat we are safe. We are home, as we are – sometimes confused, sometimes full of energy, sometimes tired and lazy, sometimes its all too hard. But the mat is there to guard us. There is no judgement, even that most annoying inner voice that’s always complaining about something is quiet. The mat is there to absorb the fall, to support the weight, to help with the balance, help us slide and not slip. On the physical, mental and emotional level.

So when we finally return to our daily routine, be it after a week away, be it only one hour of practice, we are new. We are how we need to be. And there is no need of explaining to others what has happened, what was seen in the meditation, how a tiny move of the asana released the horrible pain in the back, how the sound opened the space behind the closed eyes.

How can we explain it with words? Some experiences can only be felt, a thousand words cannot describe them. Maybe some truths were revealed that we were hiding away from in fear and now we feel encouraged to act? Maybe some good intentions for the future were set. Maybe we saw ourselves how we always wanted to be and now we are determined to achieve our goals, to fulfill our dreams. Its not selfishness. How can we take care of others if we ourselves are broken?

So next time you roll out your mat, think about the journey that you are setting yourself on. Be hopeful, be joyful, be brave. You will see the truth. You will hear your thoughts. You will feel your body. The beauty and the calm will set you free. Maybe there will be tears, maybe there will be the sensation of horrible tiredness. Maybe you will feel liberated. Just observe. Enjoy. Listen carefully. And when you are done, roll up your mat and walk tall and confident, with joy and gratitude.

Let the experience overcome you. Leave the heaviness behind, all those harsh thoughts and negative emotions. Leave the pain of the process, forget the tears. Guard safely the light, embrace the new you.

What happens on the mat, stays on the mat. No words needed. Just your inner smile.