Self-Love Yoga: Poses and Practices

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

In our fast-paced and demanding world, it’s easy to forget the importance of self-love and self-care. With its blend of physical postures, breath control, and mindfulness, yoga offers an ideal platform to reconnect with ourselves and foster self-love. Below, we’ll explore yoga poses designed to promote self-love and self-care. These poses and practices will help you cultivate a more profound sense of self-acceptance, self-compassion, and inner peace.

Begin with centring

To start your self-love yoga practice:

1. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.
3. Ground yourself in the present moment by focusing on your breath and setting an intention for your practice, such as “I am worthy of love and care.”

Heart-opening poses

Heart-opening poses are excellent for opening the chest and releasing tension, allowing you to connect with your heart and foster self-love.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your belly with your palms beside your shoulders. Inhale, press your hands into the ground, and lift your chest while keeping your pelvis grounded. Gently arch your back, and remember to breathe deeply.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana): Kneel with your knees hip-width apart, toes pointing back. Place your hands on your lower back for support. Inhale as you arch your back and reach for your heels. Keep your chest open and gaze up.

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press your feet and arms into the floor to lift your hips. Interlace your fingers under your back and gently roll your shoulders under to open your chest. If you are flexible, you could even try to hold your ankles.

Self-affirmations and mantras

During your practice, incorporate self-affirmations and mantras to reinforce positive self-talk. Repeating phrases like “I am enough,” “I love and accept myself as I am,” or “I deserve self-care” can help cultivate self-love.

Self-love yoga restorative poses

Restorative poses are essential for relaxing the body and mind, allowing you to let go of stress and connect with your inner self.

Child’s Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms forward while lowering your chest to the ground. Breathe deeply and surrender to the pose.

Corpse Pose (Savasana): Lie on your back, arms at your sides, and legs relaxed. Close your eyes and let go of any tension in your body. Focus on your breath and practice self-compassion.

Loving-kindness meditation

After your yoga practice, sit in a comfortable seated position and practice a loving-kindness meditation. Send love and positive intentions to yourself and others. Begin with yourself by saying, “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be at ease.” Then, extend these wishes to loved ones, acquaintances, and even those you may struggle with.

Self-love is vital to overall well-being, and practising yoga can be a powerful nurturing tool. Incorporate self-love yoga into your routine regularly, and remember that self-love is an ongoing journey. Through these poses and practices, you can cultivate a deeper sense of self-acceptance, self-compassion, and inner peace, allowing you to navigate life with greater love and care for yourself.

For a more in-depth look at treating yourself, kindly click here and click here for information on setting intentions for love and self-love. Remember to keep an eye on our blog for new self-care ideas, and please share your self-love rituals with us at @surrender_to_happiness; we love finding new ways to practice self-care. Finally, if you want something unique, check out our self-love crystal grid kit.

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