How to Cultivate Self-love Through Yoga & Ayurveda
Self-love is about accepting yourself as who you are and embracing your True Self.
For many of us this can be easier said than done. We all have parts of us that we don’t like – be it bad skin, a body that isn’t shaped quite how we’d like or parts of our character such as anger, jealousy or greed that can shock and upset who we’d like to be.
Ayurveda helps explain how many of these issues are caused by imbalances in our unique mix of the three doshas and by identifying, understanding and working to rebalance our doshas we can help address many of these issues.
There are other issues that relate to our personal perception about ourselves. For these we don’t need to change ourselves but to change the way we think about ourselves.
For example many of us are constantly concerned about our body shape and how others perceive us.
The media – be it mainstream or social media bombard us with images of ‘perfect people’ living ‘perfect lives’ and this inevitably leads us to comparisons that are damaging.
Ayurveda and the practice of Yoga teaches us to accept who we are, work on the things we can change and accept those we cannot.
This is where self love or as I like to think of it self care comes in.
We can cultivate self-love and self care through the regular practice of Yoga and Ayurveda. If you are already integrating Yoga & Ayurveda into your daily life, you are already practicing self-love!
Here are some ways you can improve your self care:
1. Eat well – the right food is a great healer
Cook yourself a yummy meal that is attuned to what you need.
Learn how you can eat more in line with the seasons.
2. Work with your circadian rhythms
Learn more about how you can live in harmony with the rhythm of nature and the benefits of sleep and a simple change you can make for better digestion and good night’s sleep.
3. Carry out regular yoga practice, meditation that is attuned to your specific Dosha mix
Learn how you can practice Yoga for your Dosha to maximize the benefits of Yoga.
If you don’t know your Dosha, take my Dosha quiz right here!
4. Spend time connecting with nature
Go for a daily walk and be present with nature!
Find out how you can re-connect with nature and feel grounded, uplifted and energized.
5. Practice self-massage with oil (Abhyanga) according to your Dosha
Leave oil on your skin for 5-20 minutes and rinse it off in shower (I recommend doing this on the weekend when you have more time). Ayurveda recommends using warming oil such as sesame, almond or avocado oil for Vata, cooling oil such as coconut oil or sunflower oil for Pitta, and invigorating heating oil such as mustard oil for Kapha.
P.S. If you are curious to discover what food and lifestyle choices and Yoga style to practice for your specific mind-body type, the first step is to take my Dosha quiz and discover your Ayurvedic Dosha – your mind-body type!
You will then receive some practical tips & recommendation on which foods, lifestyle habits and Yoga style are best for your specific Dosha.
