‘Rage Yoga’ Is The Latest Trend Which Can’t Be Kept Bottled Up

By Mandy Froelich / Truth Theory

When yoga permeated the West, an enriched understanding of the philosophy took hold. By this, I simply mean that the practice, which stems from an innate desire (or necessity) to connect with Source and be in “flow,” was perceived and then shared in new, and innovative ways.

Now, there is no denying that these fresh practices have strayed from tradition. However, is that always a bad thing? After all, yoga is supposed to be a relaxing, meditative exercise that gets you in the right mindset and feeling more comfortable in your body. Rage Yoga, founded by Lindsay Istace, claims to accomplish the same things.

Istace wrote on her website that when she started practicing yoga, she “felt really out of place.” She added, it “made me feel like I was standing in a library full of gymnasts.” That’s why she decided to create Rage Yoga. The practice involves swearing, shouting, and enjoying a beer.

“My practice gave me a strong body-mind connection and a new appreciation for my body,” wrote Istace. “I learned how to slow my mind, feel good in my body and built some decent pipes while I was at it. It helped me overcome addiction and weather a lot of personal obstacles. It kept me healthy and sane!”

On her website, the founder explains that the method is “a practice involving stretching, positional exercises, and bad humor, with the goal of attaining good health and to become zen AF. More than just a practice, Rage Yoga is an attitude.” 

A number of people swear (pun intended) by the approach to achieving zen. Ashley Duzich, a Rage Yoga instructor at Brash Brewery in Houston, Texas, told CBS DFW that “some people need to release and let go.” She added that Rage Yoga is “a practice that involves breathing, stretching, mood draws, yoga postures and a lot of bad humor.” 

“Yoga itself actually means union… so union with yourself,” Duzich continued. “And that’s not always just super-calm, breathing, practising quiet time, like a lot of yoga places are.”

“We are all angry about something and we all have been holding onto an ‘F’-bomb for a little bit too long. So that’s what this does – is – it allows you to have a safe space to let go of your and frustration and rage in a healthy way… and then also wash it all away with some ice cold beer,” Duzich concluded. “One of the funniest things I think I ever heard was, ‘I told you to do the dishes.’”

If you’re eager to join in on a Rage Yoga class, you can do so in Calgary, Edmonton, and Houston.

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IMAGE CREDIT: dolgachov