Whether Valentines Day fills your heart with joy or makes you want to roll your eyes, we can't deny the fact that love is kind of, well, the point of it all...no?! V Day may be a consumerist construct but the sentiment to appreciate each other and ourselves is a beautiful one.
I had the most wonderful time guiding the partner yoga session yesterday with my love - it's been a while since I've laughed so much during a session, but seeing you all connecting, playing and exploring together tickled me/touched my heart in equal measure (some of the facial expressions were priceless!). There has been so much wonderful feedback from this I'm, considering doing a second edition - do let me know if that's something you'd like!
We've spent the rest of the weekend relaxing, out hiking at sunrise and practicing yoga/eating banana pancakes (recipe to come) - just for a change!
Whether you're celebrating this Valentine's Day with or without a partner though we can always appreciate the dear friends, family and loved ones in our life as well as OURSELVES - self love always comes first!
Date Yourself First
The relationship we have with ourselves is the longest we've ever known, and the only permanent one (in this lifetime!). Meditation is the most wonderful way to really get to know yourself and begin the process of self love and radical acceptance - almost like, as one of my fave teachers puts it, dating yourself.
Yogic philosophy points us towards the fact that anything that creates separation is not yoga. Ultimately we are one consciousness, despite appearances - 'behind the different forms of energy is one unchanging consciousness or spirit or Self.' (Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali) - and selfless thoughts, words and actions are the way to go.
A day that promotes that can't be all bad!
All About Love: Book Club
For those of you wanting to delve into the subject of love further, the next edition of the book club, which will be held on Weds 3rd March, 7:30-8:30pm, is focusing on the incredible text, 'All About Love' by Bell Hooks.
If you're interested in conscious relating, self awareness & co-regulating in general it will rock, your, world. A little snippet which changed mine is her paraphrasing the definition of love by M. Scott Peck as:
"The will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth."
Oooft. Yes to agency & growth!
And on that note I will leave you to enjoy the rest of your weekend. Take this opportunity to spend some time loving yourself, your friends, your family, your pets...love is all there is, and all we are.
And if you would like a heart based, anahata chakra playlist you can find mine here.
Sending you all love this Valentine's Day & everyday. <3