Have you heard of the “body mindful” movement? Body mindfulness is consciously choosing words that nurture self-affirmation, through positive self talk about our bodies and self-validation through our conversations with others.
All the answers we seek are inside of us already, we need only trust in our ability to access them.
Ultimately, being ‘body mindful’ is to intentionally refrain from the disparaging or negative body talk and access those virtues that exist inside of us like confidence, resilience, courage, hope, appreciation and grace. To empower us from the inside out and allow us to embrace an attitude of possibility & positivity.
We can strive to change our external, but unless are insides are aligned with our higher selves we will never know how to affirm and truly be happy with our external bodies.
You cannot always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside.
Like any skill that we want to master, this body mindful process and finding confidence in our own internal worth, takes time and dedication. We don’t just wake up loving ourselves, especially if we’ve had years of practicing negative self talk. Sometimes we need to rewire the way our inner voice works, changing our perspectives and beliefs. Unfortunately negativity is a difficult cycle to break, but with determination and endurance, we can cultivate a path toward self love.
Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.
Building confidence starts with accepting yourself just as you are. Because yoga is all about increasing awareness to dissolve the ego, you naturally begin to recognise and accept what you’re capable of and what your limits are. Through a regular practice we start to notice how our inner language translates into our mood, posture and overall wellbeing. And it is by observing, rather than judging, that we open ourselves up to new affirming and empowering language.
On the mat
Next time you step on the mat, observe your self-talk. Tune into how your internal voice experiences a pose – is it positive, negative, neutral? How does this influence your self-confidence in that exact moment? Also observe how you experience your body. How are you holding your face, eyes, jaw and shoulders?
It is the confidence in our bodies, minds and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures. ~ Oprah Winfrey
Ask yourself how does your inner dialogue empower or disempower your physical and mental experience of the pose? What would happen if you altered that inner dialogue. By cultivating a practice of intentionally using self-affirming language over time we can change our brain, uplift your mood, and ultimately, improve our sense of self. Next time you’re pausing in a pose, consciously use self-affirming or positive talk and see how this changes your experience of the pose.
Off the mat
Take the time to make the same observations at different times throughout your day and notice your inner dialogue. Keep a journal of your observations to increase your body mindful awareness and identify patterns that challenge your self-confidence in unhelpful ways.
Confidence is basically a synonym for inner peace and happiness. When you’re at peace, you’re happy — and when you’re truly happy, your self-confidence will be unshakeable.
Now consciously inject positive talk at different moments throughout your day and notice how this makes you feel. The more you practice this positive internal dialogue, the more likely it is to become second nature and will no longer need to be a conscious action on your part. Continue keeping a journal and observe the difference it makes not only to your yoga practice but your life.
What you say matters. You can be your biggest critic or your own best supporter. Being mindful of your self talk and using strategies like self esteem affirmations can be powerful in changing the way you think. Throughout the year we have been encouraging positive self talk through our monthly positive affirmations or focus on ‘powers’. This month, the focus is confidence.
‘Confidence’ is your power.
How are you going to explore confidence as your power this month? Perhaps set yourself up with a positive affirmation. This could be one for the month or a different positive statement each week or day. We just encourage you to keep it consistently on the theme of ‘Confidence’. An example is ‘When I breathe I inhale confidence and exhale doubt’.
Explore and create your own.
We look forward to seeing you on the mat this month where our teachers will weave our theme of ‘confidence is my power’ into their classes and teachings.
Sweat, stretch & smile!
Team Kula
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Detoxify & energise with Hot Yoga. Tone & sculpt with Power Flow. Strengthen & stretch with Basics and Slow Flow. Relax & mobilise with Yin Yoga at our beautiful studios in Hawthorn & Hampton, Melbourne. Both studios also host regular workshops, Victorian and overseas retreats to exotic places like Bali, Thailand & India, as well as a mobile yoga service for community, school and corporate groups.
Our Hampton studio has now opened our classes up to the Bayside area including surrounding suburbs such as Sandringham, Brighton, Black Rock, Highett and Beaumaris. Enjoy modern facilities, expert teachers and a range of complementary wellness services for optimal health.
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