Self-Love and Care Through Yoga - with Acacia Grant
Self-love is a word we hear being thrown around often but what does it mean and how can we achieve this? Quite often we are too hard on ourselves and have negative thoughts that are hard to shake. How many times have you thought to yourself “I should have done it this way” or “I should spend more time with the kids” or “I should have exercised and eaten less today”. This way of thinking is common but exhausting! We need to be kinder to ourselves in order to achieve pure happiness. Of course, this is easier said than done. That’s why we sat down with the beautiful yogi and doula, Acacia Grant, to find out more.
- What inspired you to become a yoga instructor?
I took my first yoga class when I was 14. It was one of those things that happened by accident but had the most profound effect on me. I wasn’t aware at the time, but it was that class that shaped my path. I felt the heaviness of my life experience lift instantly and I knew I had found something that resonated deeply.
- What do you believe the best health benefits are from yoga?
I would say that the self-awareness uncovered by practicing yoga is the gateway to many health benefits. It’s not one particular thing that shapes you, it requires work in all areas of your life. Yoga is the framework for that.
- The practice of yoga is big on self-love. Why do you believe this is so important?
I would say the practice of yoga is about universal love but yes, self-love is where it begins. It’s very true that you can’t be happy with others until you are happy with yourself. Learning to deal with and one day dissolve all self-judgement, criticism and doubt is a part of the practice of yoga. Ultimately you can’t experience unconditional love if you are filling your life with all the mental struggles.
- What are some tips you have for self-love so we can feel more comfortable in your own skin?
Getting to know your worth and your true nature is especially important. If you want to feel comfortable you need to feel whole. There is an inner joy or light that can be covered by thoughts and mental disturbances. Comfort comes when we look after every aspect of our human life. Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and environmentally. Yoga and meditation help many people to come out of discomfort in all those areas, so they feel the freedom to live peacefully and joyfully. Lastly, surround yourself with good people. A team of genuine and loving souls who will help you and always have your best intentions in mind.
- For us time poor Mums, how can we squeeze yoga into our daily lives?
Ahhhhh, my most valuable lesson around this has been to recognise that yoga is so much more than a physical yoga class. Which was always my understanding but till I was actually a mum I didn’t think about it too much. Practically, if you want to experience yoga in your mum life you need to develop a meditation practice, a pranayama practice (breath exercises), be ok with doing less for a while and create a life that makes you feel good. Create good habits by adding in simple practices (like meditation). Forget trying to sleep more, instead use Yoga Nidra or rest in nature where possible.
- Do you believe yoga is for everyone regardless of someone’s fitness levels and flexibility?
Yes. There are so many variations of a yoga practice and something accessible for each person. There are some images out there in the modern world that deter people from trying yoga but I assure everyone it’s not tree poses on mountain tops (although that’s lovely), it’s a very personal practice that can be designed to suit your body, mind and modern life.
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