Self reflection as a tool for self love

Yoga practice is not just about the physical. Although this is often the reason people attend their first yoga class - whether looking for a new form of exercise or as a way to challenge the body. However, most students very quickly come to the realisation that yoga is a whole body practice - and this includes the mind.

Being ‘present in the moment’ is an often used terminology in classes as a way to try and focus on the here and now and not to dwell on things past or focus on what is to come in the future.

However, yoga as a practice for ‘yoking’ or uniting mind, body and spirit can include moments of reflection as a means to set intentions or keep working on ourselves and what it is to be human. Reflection is valuable but it is not a means to berate yourself for past actions or sit with regret. It is a way to discover what you might want to change or adapt in life. Used as part of a regular mindful practice, reflection can help us develop new skills and review changes we are striving for.

What reflection is not is looking back with judgement or bias. Avoiding the trap of falling into the critical mind is both a valuable practice and one which can be very hard to resist. The kinder we are to ourselves the more fulfilled we will feel.

As the Daoist philosopher Lao-tzu is credited as saying: “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”

Regular reflection moments bring powerful benefit and making this a positive ‘habit’ does not need to be time consuming or seen as a chore. Using simple questions such as: What am I grateful for today? What have I learnt? What matters to me? What did I do for me today? What intentions can I set for the future?

Writing a journal a a great tool for aiding positive self reflection as well as just finding even 1-2 minutes to sit in silence, without distraction and focus on breath as a means to help reflection. Being in nature and observing sights and sounds around you to calm a busy mind and the nervous system is another good way to reflect on what matters to you.

“Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted - it is an intimate date with yourself “

Paul TP Wong