Compassionate Self-Care

https://allevents.in/london/mindfulness-and-self-care/1000091115812849

The longest relationship we will ever have in life, is the one we have with ourselves. This is the most important, the most intimate relationship we will ever know. Yet it can very often be the relationship we neglect the most. Many of us find this relationship the most difficult to nurture. We become so accustomed to giving out our care and compassion, our energy, that we subconsciously give ourselves the message that we don’t matter as much as everyone else.

Self-care will mean different things to all of us. Self-care is not selfish, it is vital in order to keep our body, mind and soul alive and nourished.

In our yoga practice on the mat, we have the opportunity to explore self-care; to watch our internal dialogue and nurture more compassionate self-talk. Sometimes self-care will feel challenging, it will ask us to pay attention to our sensations, our emotions, our thoughts; maybe even things we have squashed away. Perhaps a practice of self-care will be one of letting go of ideas of perfection and accepting who we are as already enough. 

Hasta Mudra of the Month

https://www.yogiapproved.com/om/heart-chakra-mudras/

 
Hridaya Mudra is the gesture of the compassionate heart; ‘hri’ means heart and ‘daya’ means compassion. This mudra directs prana (energy) to the heart, freeing up any blockages. On a physical level, this mudra stimulates and balances the respiratory and circulatory systems. Sit with this mudra for 5-30 mintutes.
 
How to practice:

• Bring your index finger to the root of your thumb
• Join your thumb to the tips of your middle and ring fingers
• Maintain your pinky finger pointed straight
• For use in meditation, bring your hands to your knees with your palms facing up

 
Benefits of this mudra:

• Releases built-up emotions and anything weighing on the heart
• Rejuvenates the heart by releasing stress and emotions and reducing anxiety
• Helps one to gain the ability to keep the heart open during trying emotional times

Hensley, A. (2020) Mudras to Powerfully Connect to Your Heart. Retrieved from: https://www.yogiapproved.com/om/heart-chakra-mudras/
Saradananda S. (2015) Mudras for Modern Life. London: Watkins