Swipe Right on Self-Love: How Yoga Teaches You to Be Your Own Soulmate
When was the last time you took yourself on a date? Bought yourself flowers just because? Or simply looked in the mirror and said, "Damn, I love you"?
Before we chase after grand romantic gestures from others, what if we learned to romance ourselves first? This February, instead of waiting for love to knock on your door, let’s explore what it means to truly be your own soulmate.
Love Begins with You
We spend so much energy searching for "the one," but what if the real journey is about becoming the one—for ourselves? Self-love isn't just a self-help cliché; it’s the foundation for a fulfilling life. When we cultivate deep self-acceptance, inner peace, and confidence, we radiate the kind of energy that makes love—both self and external—flourish.
Yoga is a powerful tool for self-love because it teaches us to listen to our needs, be present in our own bodies, and show up with compassion for ourselves. It’s not just about stretching muscles—it’s about stretching our capacity for self-acceptance, healing, and joy.
Mirror Work: See Yourself, Love Yourself
Try this: Stand in front of a mirror, look into your own eyes, and say something kind.
It might feel weird at first, but speaking affirmations aloud rewires our brains. Start with:
"I am worthy of love."
"I honor my body and its wisdom."
"I am enough, just as I am."
This simple act can shift the way you see yourself, helping you build self-acceptance from the inside out.
Heart-Opening Rituals for Self-Compassion
Since it’s February, let’s talk about heart-shaped healing. Opening your heart (literally and metaphorically) invites more self-love into your life. Here are a few ways to do that:
1. Heart-Opening Yoga Flow
A heart-opening yoga sequence can help release emotional tension, foster vulnerability, and deepen your connection with yourself. Try the following sequence to feel a greater sense of self-love and openness:
Camel Pose (Ustrasana) – This pose encourages deep heart expansion and invites you to embrace vulnerability. As you arch your back and lift your chest, imagine your heart opening and releasing stored tension.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) – By lifting through the chest and rolling the shoulders back, this gentle backbend fosters self-confidence and an open heart.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) – A great pose for lifting the heart and stretching the front body. It symbolizes the bridge between self-doubt and self-love.
Wild Thing (Camatkarasana) – Also known as "Flip Dog," this pose is a powerful heart-opener that allows you to embrace joy, expansion, and playfulness.
Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana with a block) – A deeply restorative posture that gently lifts the chest and heart, allowing for a passive opening and relaxation.
Flow through these poses slowly and mindfully, breathing deeply into each posture. As you move, visualize your heart expanding with love and self-acceptance, filling you with warmth and confidence.
2. Write Yourself a Love Letter
If you were your own lover, what would you tell yourself? Write it down. Acknowledge your growth, your resilience, your beauty. Seal it in an envelope and open it on a day you need a reminder of how amazing you are.
3. Indulge in a Self-Care Date
Take yourself out! Buy yourself the fancy coffee, soak in a luxurious bath, or spend a slow morning reading poetry. Treat yourself as you would a beloved partner.
The Relationship That Lasts Forever
Being your own soulmate doesn’t mean rejecting external love—it means setting the bar high. When you nurture your relationship with yourself, every other relationship improves.
So, this February, whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, make self-love your priority. Because the longest, most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself. And that, my friend, is a love story worth celebrating.