This week's mantra is all about self love! As we come to the end of January and beginning of February, we are constantly bombarded with red and pink everything every where. Whether its ads on TV or online, we are constantly reminded of the fact that Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
Whether you are in a relationship or not, this "holiday" can be overwhelming. I have never truly enjoyed Valentines Day simply because it puts pressure on people to buy yet another gift. If we want to give a gift to a friend or loved one, why wait for a holiday? Just buy them the gift and give it to them.
Instead of indulging in more consumption, I would like Valentine's Day to truly turn into a day of love. You know how during the holidays, everyone seems to be in a better mood? Why don't we carry that love and merriment more consistently throughout the year?!
That is why, this week, I have devoted the Mantra and Asana to love and fun. Life is too short to be grumpy all the time. Lighten your heart with some play time this week (see the pose below) and remind yourself that it is good to smile and be happy. The yoga pose below is meant to lift your spirits and evoke a sense of play and fun! The key to this mantra, though, is to actually believe it! And from personal experience, even if you don't really believe it at first, the more you say it, the more you start to truly believe it! I can tell already how beautiful you are!!
So...go...right now...look in the mirror and let yourself know how beautiful you are. Give yourself some of this love and then pass it along to a friend or loved one! Tell them how beautiful they are, and then let them know to pass it along as well! It can't hurt, the world needs more love anyways :)
This week's Mantra:
This week's Asana: Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose)
From standing, lean your weight onto your right foot and gently bend your left knee so you can hold on to your left foot behind you. If you can not comfortably hold onto your foot, use a strap, belt or towel to loop around your foot for extra length. Breathe. When you feel balanced, lift your right arm up towards the sky, then gently start to lean forward; bending at the hip. Press your left foot into your left hand (or strap, etc.) and breathe. Keep your gaze forward, your chest lifted, and both legs strong and steady. Stay here for 5-10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.
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