Ever since I started practicing Acro Yoga, the saying “We rise by lifting others” has always made me smile. I sincerely believe that we rise (become better people, elevate our mood, feel a purpose and so on) by doing good for others – by helping, listening or in some way lifting others. But the duality of the saying is what really makes me smile, because we can quite literally rise by lifting others in Acro Yoga.
So by now, you know that I am talking of two types of “rising” and “lifting”: the physical and the psychological. I find it interesting, but not shocking, that affecting people’s mental state can alter our own (psychologically lifting someone = psychological boost to you) and that we in Acro Yoga can transfer energy and rise together (physically lifting = physical rising). What is maybe more interesting and surprising is that we can actually tap into the psychological mood lifter, by physically lifting others! There is something about physically lifting other people, that makes you connect to them in such a profound way that it makes you rise as well.
I am not sure what causes this mental shift upon a physical act…
Maybe it is the trust that your partner puts in you, that makes you rise to the occasion. Do not forget that every time a person chooses to be lifted/based by you, they at some level put their life in your hands.
Maybe it is the fact that we feel physically strong and capable, which translates into a mental strength and resilience that can be felt.
Maybe it is the fact that you can plainly see joy in another person’s face, a joy that was brought there by you or that you created together. Maybe It brings a sense of purpose or validation.
Maybe it is your flyers infectious joy in being able to do something they did not think they could do… Or maybe your joy in being able to do something you thought was hard or impossible.
Maybe it is a feeling of community that comes from working together, making us feel connected to others and less lonely.
Maybe it is a little bit of everything.
No matter the reason, I think it is safe to say that there is rarely something to lose from lifting others, and often something to gain. So, I encourage and recommend you to go out into the world and lift someone physically (or psychologically), share your strength and work together…And maybe try an Acro Yoga class 😉