Last February we celebrated the month of Love by focusing on different kinds of love. Big topic, I know! But what is love? For centuries, big minds have tried to decipher the meaning of love. It’s not so easy to define because love can mean differently from one person to another. And since it is an emotion that happens inside you, no other person can tell what it should mean for you. It is not something that you do, instead, it is something that you can become if you allow it.
And what is nobler than loving one’s self? Self-Love shapes the establishment of your single, most imperative relationship, that with yourself. The quality of all your different connections is equivalent to the quality of that establishment. To cherish yourself isn't only a confidence-boosting suggestion. It is essential to genuinely adore others. Accepting your true self, including your imperfections, ultimately helps create stronger, more fulfilling relationships with others. It is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Self-love means having a high regard for your well-being and happiness. Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Self-love means not settling for less than you deserve.
Practicing restorative yoga is a radical act of self-love and a declaration that your health and well-being are more than just checking off your to-do list. In this practice, you will experience first-hand that rest is a productive and necessary part of daily life. The balance, presence, and deep healing you desire will take root in this simple act of relaxing. This empowering practice will help you access the innate ability of your body to heal itself. This can decrease pain and muscle tension, enhance digestion, improve the quality of your sleep, and boost learning and memory. Restorative Yoga is a mind-body approach to relaxation that gives us time and space to connect to a deep, calm space within that is free from obligations and responsibilities.
The restorative yoga class involves holding long poses for a longer period of time while being completely supported by props so you can release all muscular effort and tension. Here, the body is still and supported, letting it come to a place where it feels safe to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The practice is also done in a dim, quiet, and warm place giving yourself the gift of silence.
And so since last February, we have been offering restorative yoga classes two times a week in our yoga studio here in Vienna. You can reach Yogakula easily with the public transportation by taking Subway U1, U2, and U4, the Streetcar Line 1, 62, D, and the Badnerbahn. Restorative yoga classes are held every Wednesday and Friday at 15:00.
Since Self-love can mean something different for each person because we all have many different ways to take care of ourselves, why not try out different styles of yoga classes. Here at Yogakula, we offer different yoga classes in English or German. Figuring out what self-love looks like for you as an individual is an important part of your mental health.
See you on the mat!
Namaste, Erika
Photo by: Lenka Minarik