Self Love: Plants + Yoga
Love is a practice. Self love is an intention. This Valentine’s Day we’ve taken a moment to pause and reflect on how we might practice caring for ourselves - like we care for others - with honor and intention. In collaboration with a friend, Carrie McCann of Moonset & Co. , we’ve thought about our personal practices and what yoga and plants might support our self love journey this season.
Asana: MOUNTAIN POSE + BEAR HUG
What happen’s when you center yourself in your own healing? Pause in mountain pose with your feet hip-distance apart or wider. Invite yourself to take a seat if standing is not in your practice today. Notice what’s on your mind. Notice your breath. Notice yourself grounded on the earth or in your chair. What do you need more of? What do you need less of?
Take a moment to breath.
On your next breath, lift your hands and reach your arms wide - outstretched to your sides. Reach to your own comfort drawing your shoulders closer together and blossoming your heart forward. What do you need more of?
Upon your exhale, give yourself a hug. Notice your breath and slowly draw your arms and your intention close to your body. Draw your chin to your chest, soften down, and round the back slightly. If standing, be sure to bend our knees. Hands may rest on your shoulders or anywhere comfortable.
Repeat and receive yourself fully.
Plants: ROSE + HIBISCUS
It’s not hard to let either of these plants sweep you off your feet. If you’ve ever taken a minute to be with either of these plants, you may just be as enamored as we are. Both are supportive to our spirits, emotions, and our physical hearts.
Rose : CONNECTION
You’ll find different types of roses growing all over the world. If you run into wild rose, they look much different than those given as romantic gestures. When it comes to matters of the heart, beyond the common association of rose with romance, rose is a great plant to turn to in times of grief, when you need support around boundaries, or when your heart needs some extra tending. Rose is an antioxidant, inflammatory, and has been shown to decrease blood pressure and can calm a rapid heart rate — all properties making it a great overall heart tonic. There are many ways to get to know rose: flower essences, tinctures, teas, honeys, hydrosols, bath time rituals, and so many more. If you do treat yourself to roses this Valentines Day, try making rose water by simmering the petals in water. The aroma will fill your house and misting a bit on your skin may uplift your mind, body, and spirit.
Hibiscus: LUCIOUS
If you’ve had the joy of sipping on sorrel then I don’t need to convince you of the magic that this sweet and sour plant brings. This topical, cooling plant is awesome on a hot summer day and also enjoyed hot in the cooler weather, delicious in Christmas wines, syrups, honeys, jams, and more. While this plant’s medicine is used differently all over the world, it has been shown to support our hearts in many ways. Hibiscus can help to move stuck energy in the circulatory system, support with cardiac nerve disease, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, is anti inflammatory and full of antioxidants. This luscious plant feels playful and pleasurable, helping us open to connection. It’s hard not to feel some loving vibrations when hibiscus is nearby.
*A note on working with plants: The descriptions here are just small snapshots of one part of a plant. Always do your own research about plants (find at least 3 sources) if you’re deciding to turn to plants for their medicinal benefits and consult with your trusted healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have major health concerns. If you’re looking for an herbalist, ask them about their background, their studies, and their specialties.
YOGAMOTIF LLC AND ITS INSTRUCTORS ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, ADVICE, OR EDUCATION.
