I probably don't need to remind you that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Although die-hard romantics like me love this day because it gives us another excuse to be romantic, many people groan and bemoan its too "saccharine" nature. Some folk complain that it's just another excuse for florists, chocolate candy makers, and other retailers to peddle their wares. "Just a bunch of hype" they say.
But, it's all a matter of perspective. Just as I believe that Thanksgiving Day is a good reminder of what we need to do every day - be grateful for our blessings, Valentine's Day is a fun acknowledgement of how we should express or pour love into all we do EVERY day and with everyone. It doesn't need to be limited to romantic, love relatioships. Yesterday my minister's talk was about BEING love to attract love and he gave the congregation a exercise - everyday for the next week, we were to infuse love into everything we did and to everyone whose path we crossed. And, of course this would include my and your (hopefully) yoga practice!
What does this mean? Well, when you roll out your mat tomorrow - roll it out with love and anticipation of all the wonderful benefits you will gain as a result of your pratice. Right before you begin your first pose, cup your heart with your hands and beam love into it. Then, during every moment of your practice, radiate love to all the parts of your body - appreciate them and love them as you move, stretch, and hold your poses. Smile as often as you can as you do your pratice. When you complete your yoga regime with the Savasana (fully resting as you lie flat on your back) pose, imagine rays of love circulating from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head.
Sound too woo-woo? It really dosesn't hurt to try it. And, since you are in the privacy of your home studio, no one will likely see you. You may be pleasantly surprised at how loving and love=filled you feel on Valentine's Day and on every day you choose to POUR your love and heart into your practice.
Yours for a love-infused yoga practice for Valentine's Day,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Beginners Yoga at Home Coach
WOW! I actually imagined myself doing it. I was actually smiling when a flash in my imagination showed a picture of me surrounded with the aura of LOVE and ONLY LOVE. Although, Yoga practice helps us strengthen our relationship with our love ones, it also strengthens our love of ourselves and in everything we give importance to.
Posted by: Cooper Heyes | May 10, 2012 at 02:09 PM
Thank you, Cooper. You have experienced the benefit of this practice! Thank you so much for sharing your insightful observation.
Blessings and much continued love in your yoga practice.
Laura
Posted by: Laura Rodriguez | May 12, 2012 at 02:16 PM