Reflection for Cultivating Love
“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.” These wise words from the Dalai Lama invite us to pause and reflect.
Take a moment—think back to a time when love felt pure, simple, and unconditional.
Maybe it was a warm embrace from a friend, a quiet morning spent alone, a big lick from your puppy or the gentle support of your yoga community. What stands out is the feeling of love that exists beyond needing anything in return.
Exploring Love Beyond Need
The Dalai Lama’s quote reminds us that love, at its deepest, is not about what we get—it’s about how freely we give. When our relationships, whether with others or ourselves, are rooted in care rather than need, we find a sense of peace and fulfillment. This perspective gently shifts our focus from seeking validation toward offering compassion, both outwardly and inwardly.
Self-Care Through the Yoga Sutras
The Yoga Sutras teach us that self-love isn’t selfish—it is foundational. Principles like ahimsa (non-violence) and svadhyaya (self-study) invite us to treat ourselves with kindness and curiosity. When we practice ahimsa, we soften our inner critic and nurture ourselves. With svadhyaya, we listen to our heart’s needs and honor our journey without judgment. Simple rituals—like mindful breathing, gentle movement, journaling or doodling—become acts of love that help us fill our own cup.
Gentle Guidance
I often share with my students how yoga helped me rediscover and reawaken self-love in the midst of mental attachments, emotional rollercoasters and physical challenges. There were days when rolling out my mat felt like a hug for my soul. Some mornings, just sitting quietly brought clarity and comfort. As other mornings were difficult to be with my body, brain and emotions that showed up. I simply move through the practices learning to trust the practice! The hardest part is showing up as we are in the moment without past attachments and future projections.
Through gentle guidance and open-hearted practices, we learn to embrace ourselves as we fully are- entirely whole. I invite you to join me in this journey of reflecting Love —let’s celebrate love in all its forms, starting from within.
Upcoming Workshops
Heartful Art Collaboratives
March 11 - WCRT (Wappingers Congress of Retired Teachers )
11:30am- 1:30pm
280 New Hackensack Rd, Wappingers NY
Contact : wcrtdiane@gmail.com
March 14 Mental Health Association of Dutchess County /CAPE
Middle School Students
10:00am -1:00pm includes pizza lunch
Matt Herring Wellness Center
515 Haight Ave, Poughkeepsie NY 12603
Contact : JSimpson@mhadutchess.org
March 24- April 8 Heartful Yoga Connections Retreat
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
SOLD OUT
for info on upcoming retreats
April 12 Pawling Yoga & Wellness
3:00-5:30pm Spark Creativity & Community
26 East Main St , Pawling NY 12564
Contact: gabrielle@pawlingwellness.org
April 24 April 25 Fulbeing Collective
The Heart as a Bridge Retreat
5:00- 7:30 pm Friday Evening
8:30am – 5:30pm Sat Full Day
Contact : contact@fulbeingcollective.com
May 4 Hudson Valley Womens Collab/HVWC
Empowering Women through Shared Resources and Sacred Space
6:30 -7:30pm Meet & Greet private event at Bar Ber
7:45-9:00pm Heartful Workshop at The Collective
Cold Spring, NY
Contact : dianapolackny@gmail.com
As we are in the season of LOVE this Feb, try nurturing love for yourself, as you would for a dear friend. Notice the moments when care flows freely—let them fill your heart. As you move through your practice, remember: the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other connection.
May your love for yourself always exceed your need for approval. Move, breath, rest and create for your wellbeing. I hope to see you on the mat or with me on the sacred canvas soon.
With warmth and gratitude,
OM SHANTI
Dani
