A Journey to the Heart

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras serve as a guiding light on our yoga journey. Yoga means union—to bring together, to yoke. But what exactly are we bringing into union? Nichala Joy Devi offers a beautiful interpretation:

“Yoga is the uniting of consciousness in the heart.”

One way to understand consciousness is as the container of all we perceive, including our thoughts. When we still our minds and slow down our thoughts, we create space to abide in the heart and experience our true nature. This is where we can cultivate a deep sense of peace, acceptance, and love.

Where Do We Begin?

A powerful practice for living from the heart is acceptance. Love begins with acceptance. In each moment of self-acceptance, the mind finds stillness and rest. In fact, unconditional acceptance is love—when we no longer need to choose for or against what is present. As we soften into this state, our consciousness settles into the seat of loving awareness, right in our heart space.

Our practice, then, is simply noticing, accepting, and allowing whatever arises in our awareness. This is not always easy, especially in a world that constantly pushes us to strive, compare, and judge ourselves. However, yoga teaches us that the journey begins within, and through consistent practice, we can cultivate the ability to accept ourselves as we are, without conditions or expectations.

“United in the heart, consciousness is steadied, then we abide in our true nature—joy.” – Nichala Joy Devi

Cultivating Self-Love on the Mat

This month, we invite you to set the intention of self-love, compassion, and acceptance. We can nurture this practice during our asana flow. When self-judgment arises, we guide our breath and awareness into our heart space. Here, judgment and resistance soften into compassion and acceptance. Over time, the conditions we impose on self-love begin to dissolve. As acceptance of ourselves becomes unconditional, our practice deepens into one of true self-love and compassion—love for what is, as is.

As we practice self-love on the mat, we start to notice more acceptance in our daily lives. Of course, we’ll also notice when we aren’t practicing self-compassion, but that’s part of the journey! Each time you catch yourself in self-judgment and choose kindness instead, it’s a victory. Recognizing negativity and stepping back from it is a sign of tremendous growth—so celebrate those moments. You’re cultivating self-compassion, and that’s something to be proud of!

Beyond the mat, this practice of self-love can extend into our interactions with others. When we cultivate compassion within ourselves, we naturally offer it to those around us. Relationships deepen, conflicts soften, and we start seeing beauty in imperfections—both in ourselves and the world. This ripple effect of love and acceptance is one of the most transformative aspects of yoga.

The Best Valentine’s Gift? Self-Love

As we embrace this season of love, let’s begin with ourselves. Yes, chocolates, cards, and roses are delightful, but the most precious gift you can give yourself is unwavering self-love and compassion.

Take time this month to practice acts of kindness toward yourself. Maybe it’s allowing yourself to rest when needed, speaking to yourself with gentleness, or setting boundaries that protect your energy. Self-love is not selfish—it is the foundation for a more open, loving, and connected life.

You are already whole. You are already enough. And you are already loved—starting with yourself.

Happy Valentine’s, dear yogis. Let’s journey to the heart, together.

Jai Bhagwan, 

Kristine