Strength in Stillness: How Yoga is Strengthening Our Marriage

A few years ago, I decided I needed to get healthier and joined a yoga class with a friend. I loved it immediately—but I wanted more. I wanted to stretch deeper, move into new poses, and learn how to truly practice yoga, not just dabble in it. Most of the classes near me were “heated,” so I summoned the courage (with the help of a Melissa Leaf capsule to calm my nerves!) and walked into my first hot yoga class alone, with very little experience.

And I was hooked. Some might even say addicted.

The heat softened my muscles and helped me reach positions I never thought possible. I started going five or six times a week. Before cooking Thanksgiving dinner? Yoga. Before opening gifts on Christmas Eve? Yoga. I felt empowered—strong in both body and mind. Friends commented on my glowing skin, and when life threw challenges my way, I instinctively fell back on my yoga breathing.

For years, I begged my husband to join me. Let’s be honest—I nagged him. And no one really responds well to nagging.

Eventually, life got busy. Work, travel, and all the things that creep into our schedules pulled me out of my rhythm. And if you’ve ever fallen out of a good routine, you know how hard it is to get back in.

Then a few months ago, something shifted. Our marriage entered a beautiful season of growth, and we both made the decision to intentionally strengthen it. That word—strengthen—kept coming up in our conversations. Strength of spirit. Strength of mind. Strength of marriage. Strength of friendship. We wanted to embrace every part of our lives and make it stronger.

On June 17, he joined me for his very first yoga class. And just like that, something clicked. Since then, he’s practiced with me at least once a week—sometimes more. Outdoor yoga, hot yoga, yoga on the beach, even yoga in our living room. His presence has been such a gift, keeping me accountable and helping me stay on track. And dare I say it—he’s really getting into it.

Yoga is no longer just my practice—it’s our practice. It’s strengthening us physically, mentally, and spiritually. Separately and together.

Every time we unroll our mats, we’re not just working on flexibility or balance—we’re learning how to show up for each other, breathe through challenges, and embrace each day with intention.

This is what living well looks like for us right now. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.