Self-care is everywhere! From extravagant skincare routines to splurging on luxury items we don’t really need, the message is clear: put yourself first, you deserve it! And hey, taking care of yourself is essential. But isn’t yoga designed to guide us beyond the self? Does our obsession with self-care lose sight of the bigger picture?
Originally, yoga had nothing to do with individual perfectionism. It was a practice of devotion, connection, and seeing ourselves as part of something greater. In today’s world, however, wellness can sometimes feel like just another way to focus on “me, myself, and I.”
Don’t get us wrong - a yummy yoga session, practical Pilates practice, or mindful Qi Gong movement can feel great. But these practices offer more than personal benefits; they cultivate awareness, mindfulness, and compassion - qualities that ripple outward to positively impact those around us.
However, when our practices are focused on luxury and indulgence, we miss the opportunity for growth. True wellbeing is about using what we learn to show up for others, build relationships, and contribute to the world around us.
Many of the struggles we face - from burnout to loneliness and anxiety - aren’t just personal issues to evolve your way out of; but a result of disconnection. And no amount of fancy self-care is going to resolve that.
Maybe true self-love isn’t about perfecting or “fixing” yourself. Maybe it’s about expanding your perspective, supporting your community, and realising that healing doesn’t have to be a solo journey.
How our community is embracing Self-Love this month
As part of Self-Love February at Humane Yoga, we’re exploring ways to nurture ourselves while staying connected to the world around us. Here’s how our community is practising self-love in meaningful, sustainable ways:
Restorative yoga & yoga nidra for deep relaxation
Connecting with the inner child through internal reflection and playful practices
Making space for creativity - through art, music, and movement
Completing tasks that have been on the backburner to create mental clarity
Prioritising sleep-ins & rest to reset the nervous system
Spending time in nature to ground and reset
Letting go of busy-ness and embracing stillness
Embracing healthy boundaries and saying “no”
Daily affirmations & self-kindness rituals to cultivate compassion and peace
Dancing with friends to celebrate joy and connection
Massage and mindful movement to release tension and stress
Self-love isn’t about isolation—it’s about recharging so we can show up more fully for ourselves and those around us. By weaving true self-love into our everyday lives, we can create a more balanced, compassionate world - together.