Looking for a little quiet in your life? Craving some serenity and meditation? Then this is NOT the yoga for you. But if you are secretly a rage-filled monster whose head is about to explode if one more person so much as lets out a peep about not liking dinner, then take a deep breath in, raise those unicorn fists, and let that bullshit out.
With Rage Yoga.
The practice was founded by Lindsay Istace of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, after she experienced a particularly bad break-up. After attempting to unsuccessfully assuage her rage and addiction issues in a traditional yoga studio, she decided to create a space where she was free to really let loose her inner beast.
[adsanity id=”35664″ align=”aligncenter”/]The super serene and ultra calm environment works well for a lot of people but it made me feel like I was standing in a library full of gymnasts! I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew there were other like-minded weirdos who wanted a kick ass practice and to unleash their inner badass…
So Rage Yoga was born. The practice combines swearing, screaming, heavy metal music, oh, and beer. And I wonder, where has this been all my life?
According to the website, Rage Yoga is:
A practice involving stretching, positional exercises and bad humor, with the goal of attaining good health and to become zen as f*ck. More than just a practice, Rage Yoga is an attitude.
An attitude. I have three kids. Trust me when I say, I know all about attitude. Bring.It.On.
Currently Rage Yoga is offered in Calgary, Edmonton, and Houston, in local bars (because, beer), among other places. Which is a small price to pay for releasing all that pent up anger rather than suppressing it and becoming a raging lunatic who completely loses it at the PTA meeting one day.
The classes are lead by certified Badass Rage Yoga Instructors who have each completed a 3-day training session on the specifics of Rage Yoga and also have a minimum of 200 hours of yoga instructor certification.
[adsanity id=”35667″ align=”aligncenter”/]Ashley Duzich, who runs her classes out of Brash Brewing Company in Houston, Texas, told CBS DFW why she does it:
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 frustration and rage in a healthy way… and then also wash it all away with some ice cold beer.
Participants are encouraged to let the profanities (and anything else they want to say) fly. The funniest thing she’s heard in class? “I told you to do the dishes!” And OMG, I feel this sooooo much right now. Know what else I feel right now?
“Clean your room!”
“Stop slamming the door!”
“Leave the poor dog alone!”
“Keep your hands to yourself!”
“Why are your dirty socks on the counter?”
[adsanity id=”35665″ align=”aligncenter”/]“For the thousandth time, NO!”
“Because I said so!”
It’s possible I could use a class.
Don’t live in one of the three cities? Not to worry. They also offer 6-week programs online for beginner and intermediate levels so you can get your rage on in downward facing dog in the comfort of your own living room.
Yoga has been around for thousands of years. It’s no secret that it has proven mental, spiritual, and physical health benefits. It improves sleep quality, lowers high blood pressure, increases flexibility, and reduces stress. And now? Combined with swearing, yelling, and beer, it can also help you to release your anger in a healthy way instead of going completely postal while in the school pick-up line.
[adsanity id=”35666″ align=”aligncenter”/]While traditional yogis may not appreciate this alternative yoga for the “modern badass,” I for one, am all all about the calming power of taking a deep breath in and releasing it with a good old fashioned “fuck it.”
Namarage.