Cultivating Self-Love Through Yoga: A Valentine’s Gift to Yourself

Redefining Love on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a celebration of romantic love, but what if we used this time to focus on the most important relationship of all, the one we have with ourselves?

In yoga philosophy, self-love isn't about vanity or ego, it's about deep acceptance, kindness, and care for yourself...body, mind, and soul. When we nourish our own well-being, we cultivate the energy to love and connect with others more authentically and abundantly.

This February, instead of waiting for love to come from outside, let's turn inward and practice yoga as a tool for self-compassion, heart-opening, and self-care.

1. What Is Self-Love & Why Does It Matter?

In today's fast-paced world, we often give love freely to others but struggle to show that same kindness to ourselves. We criticise our bodies, push through exhaustion and worst of all, we speak to ourselves so negatively...we would never speak to a loved one the way we speak to ourselves!

But true self-love means:

• Accepting yourself fully...your strengths, imperfections, and everything in between.

• Prioritising your well-being without guilt.

• Setting boundaries and saying no when needed.

• Treating yourself with the same care you give to loved ones.

Yoga teaches us that love is an inside job. By moving with intention, breathing deeply, and practicing mindfulness, we can shift from self-judgment to self-compassion.

2. A Heart-Opening Yoga Poses for Self-Love

Since love is connected to the heart chakra (Anahata), heart-opening poses can help release emotional blocks and invite in more self-acceptance.

Here are three heart opening poses you can try for self love and heart energising.

Anahatasana (Heart Melting Pose)

•Come into a tabletop position, then walk your hands forward, lowering your chest toward the mat while keeping your hips over your knees.

•Let your heart melt down as you breathe deeply.

•Affirmation: I am open to giving and receiving love.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

• Lie on your belly, place your hands under your shoulders, and lift your chest as you inhale keeping your shoulders down away from the ears.

• Feel your heart open as you broaden through your collarbones.

• Affirmation: I embrace my inner strength and beauty.

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Butterfly Pose/Goddess pose)

• Lie on your back, bring the soles of your feet together, and let your knees fall open.

• Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly. Breathe deeply and feel your heartbeat as a reminder of your own love and vitality.

• Affirmation: I am worthy of love just as I am.3. Breathwork & Meditation for Self-Compassion

3. Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana)

This simple yet powerful meditation helps cultivate self-love and extend love to others.

• Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

• Silently repeat: May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be safe. May I be loved.

• Imagine sending that love to others loved ones, acquaintances, and even those you may struggle with.

***Why it works... This practice rewires your brain for kindness and compassion, making self-love a natural state.

4.Heart-Centered Breathwork

•Sit comfortably and place both hands over your heart (the energetic heart is at the centre of the chest)

• Inhale deeply through your nose, imagining breathing in self-love.

• Exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing self-doubt and negativity.

• Repeat for 5 minutes, visualising warmth and light filling your heart.

5. Small Acts of Self-Love Off the Mat

Self-love isn't just about yoga it;s about how you treat yourself daily.

•Write yourself a love letter.....What do you appreciate about yourself? What words of kindness would you offer a friend? Write them to yourself.

•Treat yourself this Valentines Day...Indulge in something that makes you happy, whether it's a warm bath, a nourishing meal, or a solo date.

•Say no when needed. Love yourself enough to set healthy boundaries.

•Gratitude journaling....Each night, write down three things you love about yourself.

You Are Your Own Greatest Love

This Valentine's Day, instead of focusing on external love, turn inward and celebrate yourself. You are already whole, already enough, and already deeply worthy of love just as you are.

How will you practice self-love this month? Let me know in the comments or join me for a FREE special Self-Love Yoga Class on Friday 14th February (recording available over the weekend).

Sign up fo the free class here

As always, I'm weaving the theme of self-love into most of my online yoga classes, with heart-opening flows, breathwork, and meditations designed to nurture your body and soul.

Try a FREE week of membership and experience the magic of self-love through yoga.

***only the FULL MEMBERSHIP includes the LIVE zoom classes

Or drop in for an individual class perfect if you just want to dip your toes in!

***see the class schedule here too

This Valentines day, let your love start from within. When we nurture ourselves-body, mind and soul- we show up in the world with more authenticity, compassion and joy. Self love isn't just a one-day celebration it's a life long practice woven into the way we move, breathe, and care for ourselves every day. So take a deep breath, place a hand on your heart and remind yourself-

YOU ARE ENOUGH-YOU ARE WORTHY-YOU ARE LOVED... you always have been and you always will be.

LOVE & LIGHT

Rachel x