Emotions are energy in motion. It is healthy to allow them to flow through us. If we don't allow ourselves to feel it and work it out through the body, like movement (yoga, dance, exercise, intuitive), or speaking or crying or yelling or laughing etc...we will eventually act it out in our behavior, or our body will retain it and it may turn into illness. At times during yoga we can ask the subconscious mind if there is some energy/feeling that may need to be released.
As the body-mind-spirit connection is real, It's natural for a physical yoga practice to bring up emotions that may have been suppressed. Its one of the natural benefits of yoga. This is something I reminded one student about, when she commented to me that she was surprised to start sobbing during a hip opener. At this time, I'm learning as a teacher to quietly support, hold space and let the student experience their own practice, not interfering. A light touch, offering a tissue, compassionate voice ...or to guide them back to groundedness by cueing them breathe or to tune into the here and now with their 5 senses.
Yoga teachers, as all professions, need to understand their boundaries and ethical limits in their scope of practice. When a student has a need that is beyond what I can meet, I can refer them to a therapist or other resources that may be more appropriate.
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