Yoga: The Path to Self-Love and Growth

Why Yoga?

Initially my Yoga journey started five months ago, and since then, I haven’t missed a single day. No matter how I feel or what I’m going through, I always find motivation to practice Yoga. Moreover, it’s worth it! The results are visible not only in my body shape but, more importantly, in my mindset.

However, beginners in Yoga often give up due to a lack of patience. Indeed, results don’t come quickly, especially if you aren’t fully committed on the mat. Thus, consistency and a strong desire to improve are essential. Although progress may be slow, it will be steady.

I often struggle to achieve a pose, even though I follow the instructions precisely. This experience is normal; nevertheless, it never demotivates me—quite the opposite; it motivates me even more. Ultimately, Yoga is not a competition; instead, it serves as a way of life—a combination of mastering my thoughts and controlling my emotions through body movements. Each person discovers what suits them best in yoga at any given moment, and that’s the most remarkable aspect.

How Do I Motivate Myself?

When I started practicing Yoga, I knew I had to establish my own routine and make it an essential part of my daily life. Consequently, as a single mother, a dog owner, and someone who works at least eight hours a day, it felt quite challenging at first. Nevertheless, I never gave up. I simply wanted to give it a real chance this time.

Furthermore, I can’t imagine a day without dedicating at least 15-20 minutes to Yoga. During my weekdays, every morning begins with yoga. This routine has become essential for my daily life. Each morning, before diving into my responsibilities, I roll out my Yoga mat and focus on myself—on my self-improvement. When the weekends arrive, I celebrate because I can spend hours practicing; in fact, the feeling is incredible!

Motivation Is A Willing For Improvement

In a daily life that constantly rushes by, we often say to ourselves, “I’ll start something just for me tomorrow.” However, why wait until tomorrow when you can start now? Therefore, just don’t procrastinate. My motivation comes from my inner desire to give myself what I offer to others every day. Yoga is exactly that—my time to recharge.

Moreover, motivation arises from the desire to do something we want. Think about it—every day, we desire many things to possess or achieve. Nevertheless, the most valuable thing we should seek is our own happiness and to be in harmony with the world around us and within ourselves. This harmony should reflect not only externally but also internally. Ultimately, Yoga serves as the unifier of the benefits for our bodies, which are the temples of our souls, and for our consciousness, which safeguards those souls.

What Influences Our Ability to Maintain Our Rituals?

Circumstances always surround us that can disrupt our established routines. For instance, we may wake up late because we overslept, feel unmotivated, or find ourselves on the road far from our familiar environment. The reasons can vary widely. However, let’s be honest; unless we face a serious health issue or an irreversible life-threatening circumstance, nothing should stop us from following our routine and maintaining a balance that benefits us.

When we’re running late, we can always practice a little later. If we’re not in the right mood, we can simply disconnect. Whether through meditation or by taking a few moments to ourselves, we can step back. Furthermore, if we incorporate movements from our yoga practice in that moment, the disconnection becomes even more conscious. When we travel, we just need to find a suitable spot to unroll our mat and start with our breathing.

I’ve faced those circumstances too. Nevertheless, I have never given up. I simply want to see the spark in my eyes and have the ability to control my own life. Ultimately, I want to be that exceptional person who can!

Love—The Driving Force In Yoga

Yoga is love. It represents a beautiful turning inward through love. Each asana expresses the love we have for our bodies and our consciousness. Its influence on me over the past five months has been truly immense, and all in a positive way. Everything began with the desire for love. The truth is, no one can motivate us more than ourselves, but when we have a conduit for motivation, it doubles the strength.

As a single mother who always struggles to find time for myself, I realized at one point that I lacked love—specifically, the love shared between a man and a woman. I decided to give a blind date a chance. What did I have to lose? I had to try in some way. And I never give up. I’m a person who always looks for a way, and I find it because I act and want it strongly.

Yoga is Love

I met my kindred spirit for me at that moment—smart, charismatic, incredibly active, and with a bonus—he is a Yogi. So, through a passion sparked by the desire for love, I discovered two extraordinary factors in my life: the person who inspired me to give Yoga a chance and the practice of yoga itself, which has shown me over time that every positive action has an immeasurable positive effect.

Yoga is love. It always begins with love—our love for ourselves. Its power is so strong that it can ignite the larger love that each of us must encounter along our journey.

My Favorite Yoga Beat Flow For Beginners

No matter where I am, I have my favorite sequence of yoga that I can always do, anytime. It suits all levels, especially beginners like me.

I start with Easy Pose (Sukhasana) to relax and tune in for my practice. Then, I move into a variation of Easy Side Bend Pose, stretching and warming up my muscles. I alternate between both sides—left and right. Next, I perform another variation of the same pose, extending one leg to the side. Transition into Plank (Phalakasana), a strength pose that enhances my concentration. In fact, Plank serves as a great transition between one asana and another.

I combine Cobra (Bhujangasana) with an inhale, then move into Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) as I exhale, transitioning through Chest, Knees, and Chin Pose (Ashtanga Namaskara). Return to Plank (Phalakasana) and then move into Three-Legged Downward Facing Dog (Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana).

Following that, I do Cat-Cow (Bitilasana Marjaryasana) to further warm up my spine. Transition into Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana), adding a slight variation by lifting each leg alternately. Next comes Side Plank (Vasisthasana), and from there, I flow into Wild Thing Pose (Camatkarasana).

I follow that with a few side stretches from Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana). Next, I lie on my back and perform Half Bridge Pose (Setubandha Sarvangasana), transitioning into Plough Pose (Halasana). Progress into Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana). Then I perform my favorite Crow Pose (Kakasana) going back to Plank Pose (Phalakasana). Fallowed with some variations of Knee to Elbow Stretches and Dolphin Pose (Catur Svanasana).

I am moving into Reclining Leg Lift Pose (Anantasana) and finally move into Side Twist (Vakrasana), alternating between both sides to stretch my already engaged muscles.

There’s Always Time for Yoga

In conclusion, Yoga requires only you, your motivation, and the desire to improve in what you do. Yes, having a yoga mat makes it more comfortable, but what you truly need is simply yourself. It may be the least equipment-demanding practice while simultaneously being the most rewarding.

Yoga is love, and you feel it more profoundly as your practice progresses. Open the door to love and allow yourself to embrace it!

With all my love!