by Marguerite Cook, Destin Hot Yoga Teacher RYT200.
Unconditional love, two words with so much meaning when paired together. To love someone so much that you place their happiness above anything else, regardless of what you get in return. In today’s cut throat society it is hard NOT expect something in return for your efforts. This concept even bleeds into our most intimate relationships. Bringing down the expectation to get a return on investment and be completely vulnerable to someone can be extremely scary.
We usually catch a glimpse of this deep type of love with family. Holding a baby for the first time will cause a wash of intimacy and unconditional love that we may not have experienced before. Caring for a parent who is growing more dependent on you will also require sacrifice for someone else’s happiness not matter our costs. Being in love and having unconditional love can be exhausting. To always give can drain you mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically. It is important to take a step back and remember you need to love yourself unconditionally.
Taking time out of your day to reflect on yourself is vital to keep giving. Take this idea to your yoga practice and open your heart in camel pose. Trust yourself as you go back into the unknown, with your heart open and exposed, and then move slowly into a child’s pose. This allows you to retreat back to your comfort zone and to close off the rest of the world.
To create balance you need to put as much effort in as you do out. As you start your day allot time for yourself. It isn’t selfish, it is a necessity. You spend so much of your day giving, don’t forget to retreat and refresh. A good way to start a “me-time” routine is to commit to something you do for yourself. Taking yoga everyday with the 30 day challenge is a great way to start the process. You can also utilize your phone and get meditation apps that will remind you to take time and you can even meditate with others. Join a book club and take the time to actually read the books! This will allow you cut time out of your schedule for self-love and you have the support from the group. You can’t love unconditional if you are empty and depleted.
