Ahh, the month of love.
The world makes such a big fuss over Valentine's Day (maybe because it makes a lot of money!) but in Treehouse this year, we will change it up a bit and offer some depth and other meanings to it.
Meeting Yourself on the Mat
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions and dictates what we should and should not be, the gift of reconnection invites us to pause and return to ourselves. Through consistent yoga practice, along with the other mindful practices partnered with it, we start to teach ourselves skills that cultivate presence, self-acceptance, and a deeper connection with who we are at the moment.
Yoga is not about chasing an idealized version of ourselves. Instead, it offers a space to meet our body, our breath, and our thoughts exactly as they are today. Each time we step on the mat, we are given the change to move with awareness, listen without judgment, and honor the body we have in this moment -- not the one we had years ago, nor the one we hope to have in the future. (Of course, us coming to practice to heal aspects of ourselves from the past and striving for a better version of ourselves in the future are valid intentions, but getting frustrated about what we can no longer do and holding ourselves up to almost impossible standards is what I am referring to here.)
Maybe some nice things to sit with and journal about that are in line with our theme would be, What is something I appreciate about myself today? In what ways have I grown in the past week/month/year that I may not be noticing? Are there parts of myself that I have been neglecting? If so, how can I reconnect with them? What does self-acceptance mean to me?
Nurturing Relevant Relationships
Of course, reconnection isn't just about self-reflection. It is also about strengthening the relationships that bring meaning to our lives. When we are present with ourselves, we create space to be present for others, too.
Reach out with intention: Call, message, or spend time with someone whose presence you value. Let them feel that they are seen and heard, make the conversation about them and not just about you.
Practice active listening: So cliché, I know, but sometimes, we need reminding to set aside distractions and truly hear what the other person is saying. Put your phone down. Look at the person in the eye. Really engage and remember that deep connections come from presence, and not just proximity.
Release what no longer serves: Just as we let go of tension in a yoga pose, we can also start to disengage and release relationships that feel forced, draining, or unaligned with our well-being.
Be open to new connections: Sometimes, reconnecting means expanding our circle, allowing fresh perspectives and new friendships to enrich our journey. Treehouse offers such a warm and welcoming community, that I have seen countless of friendships form in the past decade.
Beyond the Mat: Other Mindful Ways to Reconnect
While yoga is a powerful tool for reconnection, there are other ways to cultivate this awareness off the mat:
Expressing ourselves through color or images, through craft-making or other forms of movement and play (for me, dancing, biking, singing), as well as journaling in traditional and non-traditional forms can be great ways to reconnect with our (younger) inner selves. Which activities have you always wanted to do but tend to put off?
Walking alongside nature. Reconnect with the air you breath, the trees that line up the path, maybe bring your pet with you and really be present for them. Spending present time outdoors help ground us, reconnecting with both ourselves and the world around us.
Sitting in a public place and people-watching. This has been one of my favorite practices since I was a child, and it always gives me a sense of belongingness in the world. Every time I do so, it becomes a practice of compassion and empathy, as well as an understanding that the world isn't out there to get me. That the world is just is. It is nothing personal.
This February, another light that guides us on our #Roadto10Years has been lit. Let Reconnect work for you. Through yoga, art, meditation, or strengthening meaningful relationships, take time to come home to yourself and to the people who matter most.
From February 14 to 28, 2025, we encourage our dear Treehouse Yogis who have not practiced with us for at least one year to come and reignite their practice. During this time, you will be allowed to reactivate your membership with us as if you're new to the studio: take the free trial pass and the 14-day New Yogi Package again! We would love to reconnect with you and we hope to see you in class soon.
Interested to write for Treehouse Yoga? We'd love to read your stories and musings!
Sharing your insights, both on and off the mat, is a wonderful way to foster connection and remind us that we are not alone in our thoughts. In fact, it helps anchor us in our asanas and enrich our practice.
We will feature up to 5 stories aligned with our monthly theme, due on the 10th and 20th day of the month. Featured articles will be on the Treehouse Insight page and will be available to the public. By-line is optional.
Authors of published posts will be granted two (2) Treehouse Yoga Gratitude Passes as our way of saying thanks for contributing to the community.
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