Image by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay
Yoga is an internal journey of self-discovery, an opportunity to connect with your true self on a deeper level. At its core, it is about developing a deep reverence and pure love for your body temple as it houses your conscious spirit. In this way yoga is a beautiful practice for those who suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression as it slowly and lovingly allows a holistic way to heal these emotions from the inside out.
Let Go of the External
In a world that is obsessed with the external image of things, women the world over are suffering from feelings of not being good enough. Indeed, society’s messages are ones that encourage that we should always strive for more; to be more, to have more.
At first glance yoga could seem to aggravate this behaviour. However, it is important to keep in mind when approaching yoga that while the physical postures can look incredibly beautiful, yoga is actually 90% an internal practice that is primarily about cultivating the union of a consciousness connection of your soul within your body. The true practice of yoga then becomes the act of listening to what your body needs in each moment and choosing to honour that.
When practicing yoga where your primary focus is on lovingly accepting your body and giving it the opportunity to heal and grow in each posture, you are choosing self-love over ego. Through yoga, you can focus your mind and emotions to find a gentler, more loving way to be comfortable in your own skin. Yoga allows space for deep internal healing and a conscious space in the day where you can enjoy just being who you are and lovingly express self-care in action.
Self-love as healing
Of course, the process of releasing many layers of unconscious critical self-talk can take time – and more than one yoga session. Not taking yourself too seriously on the mat is a great avenue to bringing in the ego dissolving warmth of humour and self-acceptance. The good news is that the more you can bring yourself to the mat with a loving acceptance of self to more your sense of self-love with grow and begin to be a natural starting point of how you see yourself.
Mindfulness in yoga practice helps individuals connect with their inner selves, fostering a sense of self-awareness and acceptance. The incorporation of breathwork (pranayama) and meditation into the yoga routine can further enhance the journey towards self-love, promoting emotional equilibrium and mental clarity.
Self-love is a holistic practice, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and practitioners understand the transformative potential of yoga in nurturing a loving relationship with oneself. The journey of cultivating self-love through yoga is an ongoing process that requires patience, dedication, and an open heart.
Cultivating self-love through yoga is an enriching and transformative journey. Through the practice of asanas, or yoga poses, individuals can embark on a path of self-discovery and inner exploration, fostering a deep sense of love and compassion towards themselves. This journey is not selfish; rather, it is an essential aspect of personal growth and holistic well-being. I can only urge you to embark on this self-love journey and experience it for yourself, this article can only serve as a guiding light, inspiring you to embrace your true selves and find inner peace through the practice of yoga asanas.
Prema is a certified advanced trainer empowering lives through the transformative journey of yoga, with a passion for fostering well-being. Specializing in addressing lifestyle ailments, she seamlessly blends the ancient wisdom of yoga, rejuvenating pranayama, and the art of mindfulness. Her mission is to guide individuals towards holistic health, offering a path to physical vitality and mental serenity. Join her on this wellness voyage, where every breath is a step towards a vibrant and balanced life.
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