If you’ve taken a yoga class, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the yoga fart. This is a natural phenomenon that happens during class, when our bodies start to relax, to loosen, to get more bendy, and the teacher places us into a compromising pose. Then, before you can say “na-ma-STAY”, poof, it comes out. Your eyes dart around to see if any stares of judgment are coming your way. But phew, you’re in the clear, and you get back to your breathing.
But guess what? Dealing with the yoga fart is actually the essence of yoga. It’s about being able to fart and move on. And anyone can learn to do that.
Why yoga seems scary
Just the word “yoga” can scare some people off. I know because I was one of those people. It seems kind of cultish. The stereotypical image of a “yogi” doesn’t fit how you might view yourself. And though yoga is philosophically rooted in peace, love and acceptance, it can be a judgmental crowd at times.
Then, after you finally get up the courage to attend a beginner class, it could be a negative experience. You might feel frustration at your own body’s shortcomings. Or envy toward the woman in the class doing a one-handed headstand (is that even a thing!?). You might think to yourself, “That’s not what yoga should make me feel, is it? Shouldn’t I leave the class feeling lighter, blissful, like I want to give away all my money to the homeless guy on the corner?” These negative thoughts or experiences might lead us to stay far away from yoga, or prevent us from finding it meaningful.
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Why yoga shouldn’t be scary
Despite the negative connotations that yoga might conjure up in our minds, a yoga class should be the opposite of a negative or intimidating atmosphere. It’s meant to be a place where our imperfections are accepted. Where we can fart–literally–and be free from judgement, so we can concentrate on our practice. So you’re not the most flexible person? You think you’re too short? Too tall? Yoga teaches you to take these “flaws,” work with them, and keep moving with the full knowledge you may not do things perfectly. And that that’s ok.
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There are many layers to yoga, but it is at its core this simple thing: the ability to persist despite inevitable imperfections. You don’t need to be afraid of the sanskrit terms, or the chanting, or the “om” sounds. Those are just add-ons that some people enjoy. So they’re not for you, and that’s ok. There are these other parts you can enjoy and benefit from.
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Why you may actually like yoga
If you’re feeling a lot of resistance at first, I’d encourage you to stick with it. Aside from learning how to experience the yoga fart and move on, yoga will teach you to stretch. To breathe. To do both at the same time. And to develop an understanding of when to push your body and when to pull back.
After taking a few classes, you’ll notice a few benefits–perhaps physical, emotional, mental, and even sexual. You might notice feeling relaxed and lighter. Maybe increased muscle toning and strength. You’ll learn to breathe differently–full and deep, rather than hurried and shallow. You’ll become more flexible. You might increase self-awareness and become more in touch with your body and mind. Maybe develop a new skill for self-care. You’ll calm the fuck down. In my opinion, if everyone in the world practiced yoga, it would be a much kinder and happier place.
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Yoga Fart: Practice and all is coming
I’m a certified yoga teacher, but I still can’t do splits. And guess what? I don’t really care. When I started out, I practiced day and night to get the splits down, without much improvement. My body just couldn’t quite get there. But I got stronger, more toned, and most importantly, I became more in-tune with myself and those around me. A cornerstone of yogic philosophy is “practice and all is coming,” which means practice and you’ll achieve what you set out to do. I found that practice got me to somewhere different than where I had planned (the perfect splits), but it’s a place I’m even happier with. Now I can laugh when I yoga fart in a pose, and I encourage my students to do the same. Yoga isn’t so serious. It’s not about whether you mess up, but accepting our failures and moving on.
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