We’ve all struggled with self-acceptance at some point, and getting past the feeling of not being “good enough” and enjoying who you are, whether in job, relationships, or even yoga, can be difficult — especially when we are our own harshest critics. Yoga, on the other hand, can help you embrace who you are and nurture courage and confidence, paving the road to greater self-acceptance and inner serenity.

Yoga is far more than just a set of stretches. It’s a method for bringing the mind, body, and soul together. We can begin to understand ourselves on a much deeper level as a result of this, and it is here that we must make peace with ourselves as we are. Finding this self-acceptance, however, is not always as simple as it appears.

Self-Acceptance on the Yoga mat

Thankfully, yoga provides a technique to grow internal awareness, serenity, and happiness, allowing us to organically practice self-acceptance and love toward ourselves. The yoga of self-acceptance asks us to look at ourselves objectively, all the layers of our being, and acknowledge everything: the good, the terrible, and the bits we don’t like. We can start to appreciate what we have and who we are once we can take it all in gently, and we can make real progress and grow with courage, confidence, and an open heart.

It’s not about altering your personality. It’s about accepting yourself for who you are right now, flaws and all. This is not a band-aid solution. Self-acceptance, like yoga, is a journey, but you may take a good step forward by approaching your life and practice with compassion, confidence, and empowerment.

Mantras to accept yourself, love yourself and keep moving forward

Making a mantra, also known as a sankalpa (affirmation), is an effective approach to actively practice self-acceptance and confidence. A sankalpa directs our attention away from the “shoulds” and onto our present self. Your sankalpa should be empowering, guiding you toward more self-acceptance, love, progress, and happiness. To help you get started, here are some examples. Use them to set the tone for your yoga practice or even to repeat to yourself when you need to practice self-acceptance. Your mantra should be short and to-the-point, putting the emphasis on why you should accept yourself unconditionally as you are and to truly value your self-worth.

Sankalpa (affirmations)

AIEEM NAMAH– “MY TRUE NATURE IS LOVE AND JOY.”

This mantra helps to open your awareness to reveal the true essence of who you are. You are the source of all your power, love, and joy.

As you sit, repeat the mantra — out loud, or in your inner mind. You can repeat the mantra in Sanskrit, or in English—whichever resonates for you at that time.

AHAM BRAHMASMI– “I AM WHOLENESS.”

You are whole—just as you are. You do not need to change or add anything to love and accept yourself. Work and strengthen your self-love by meditating with this mantra for a few minutes each day.

With time, you’ll come to rest in this state of inner knowing and self-love. As you repeat the mantra, allow each repetition to open your mind and expand your state of awareness. Over time, you will understand just how whole and complete you truly are.

AHAM PREMA– “I AM LOVE.”

We’re all on this Earth to express every aspect of love that exists. Tiny changes can shift the way we see ourselves and help us to live in a state of pure love. When you repeat this mantra, you change the way you see yourself on a profound level and move closer to accepting yourself just the way you are.

Self-love is just the beginning

Finally, as Buddha once said “You, Yourself, as much as anybody in the entire Universe deserves your love and affection.”

Yoga brings focus to your thoughts and emotions helping to find a softer, more loving approach to feel relaxed in your own skin. Yoga creates a conscious space in the day where you can appreciate just being who you are and lovingly express self-care, allowing for deep internal healing and a conscious space in the day where you can enjoy being YOU. Do you want to begin learning self love and the practice of self acceptance? Well, if you love connecting and being grounded in the flow check out this video by Tara Stiles on her popular YouTube channel. Or if you would like to get more sleep, check out my post on power boosting your sleep quality with bedtime Yoga.

Love and light Esther x