Over the last couple of months, I kept hearing or coming across the concept of “radical self-acceptance”. I realized that's a process I've been undergoing over the last couple of years. Radical self-acceptance is the practice of being open to all parts of ourselves, our sources of pride, joy and achievement, and the parts of ourselves that are hurting, failing or unsure of our basic worthiness. It’s the practice of completely accepting ourselves just as we are.

For most of my life, I’ve prided myself on being someone who is on a journey of continual self-improvement. Despite appreciating my own uniqueness, I would seek answers to what I could know, learn or do better so I felt more worthy, liked and accepted. Turns out that pride was an unhealthy ego because the resulting internal dialogue was a constant flow of thoughts of comparison and feelings of inadequacy. It was only until diving deeper into yoga these last couple of years did I begin to feel a steady sense of acceptance and appreciation for myself. 

In an article by Isa Acebal, she writes: “Self-optimization is so ingrained in society that many of us never stop to consider why we feel the need to constantly improve. Most of us are raised to believe our purpose in life is to achieve and excel through our job, looks, school, or relationships. We are born into a world of idealized archetypes that nobody can ever achieve. We unquestioningly accept that we need to change ourselves. We accept the critique that we are not good enough.”

We all have the tendency to look outside and around us to find happiness and fulfillment in life and often come up empty. In all this looking, we change what feels natural and step further and further away from our true selves to the point that many people end up feeling lost. We don’t know who we are anymore or what makes us happy. 

It’s human nature; we want to feel connected, to feel and know we belong, that we are loved, that we matter. So we adapt little by little, but before long, the version of ourselves we are living no longer feels like us. It’s as if we become aliens in our own bodies. 

However, the universe is CONSTANTLY sending us messages to get our attention. These messages are subtle and meant to awaken a sense of curiosity or familiarity within us; so we move back to our authentic and true selves. The divine energy that guides you, me and all of creation sends you messages to come back to yourself: to connect with the source of your innate beauty, wisdom and joy. 

Practicing radical self-acceptance is hard at first and can feel strange. And it likely means you have to make changes in your life. By reframing the intrusive thought patterns and eliminating bad habits that have taken you away from your personal truth, you begin to participate in healthier inner dialogue, find greater peace and re-connect with what really lights you up. You find stillness, peace and calm, self-acceptance and even self-love. 

Let’s all aim to feel more deeply connected to our authentic selves by practicing radical self-acceptance and self-love. Our theme at Creation Yoga this month is connection. Come step onto your mat with us, connect with your body, accept it for what it can AND can’t do. Love yourself for showing up. Be in connection with your breath, body and mind. An amazing person is there for you to meet: YOU!

We're doing another 5-week yoga series is designed specifically for men.

No prior yoga experience is needed—come as you are, and be ready to challenge yourself in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. By the end of this series, you'll have a toolkit of yoga practices to build strength, increase flexibility, and improve mental well-being.

Cost $80

Begins this Tuesday, February 11th. Time and space is running out. Reserve your spot now!

Learn More about Broga

After being gone for a month, it's so good to be home! I'm eager to see everyone, and meet some new faces too. See you at studio!

With loving kindness always...

Om shanthi,

~Tiffany