“Yesterday was a tough day for me. I was tired. I hurt. I did little, got down on myself, and cried. But today was better. Today I was kind to myself, I did what I could, and I gave myself what I needed. Whatever you’re going through, I wish the same for you: self-compassion to help alleviate your pain, permission to do only what you reasonably can, and space to take good care of yourself.” wrote Lori Deschene,  the founder of Tiny Buddha.com, in her recent blog post. (and Tiny Buddha.com is a place, where I often find solace and inspirational, thought provoking articles.)

So, today I did just that. I gave myself what I needed. You might say, as “prescribed by Lori”.

All I really wanted to convey is the ultra important (and usually unmet) need for self love – silly, overused and over-abused phrase – which perfectly describes the state of  me… us…. – when buried in to-do lists and the needs of others (and also, of course, self imposed ones), we lose sight of ourselves.

So, yes, today  I allowed myself to go on a glorious  field trip with my loved ones and feel the wind, the sun, the fresh air… and with that… the fresh ideas and new inspirations for future projects and plans. And I knew that letting go of my own expectations of what my productive work day looks like was/is the key to a magical experience like the one we had today.

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga? Start here with our Diaphragmatic Breathing Video!

We  drove to Figueroa Mountain (in San Rafael Mountains, Santa Barbara County) and had the chance to see the vibrant California wildflowers (that the whole world is talking about and posting stunning photos on social media) and to celebrate them. And  we also used this opportunity to celebrate us – with gratitude and simple pats on each other’s backs. It helped. It felt good. It was needed. And also long overdue.

I felt  deep gratitude for the wind. (And it was ultra windy there!)  I felt deep gratitude for the wild flowers. And for the rains that brought them here. I felt deep gratitude for the time and space we gave ourselves to be…  and celebrate the flowers and us. I know, do not even tell me that this sounds like a commercial- “flowers and us”! Do not ”buy” it from me – try it yourself : find the space (in time and space)  to take care of yourself…to give yourself what is needed (even in the most unassuming ways) and you will see!

Written by Indra Strong, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher.

Photo Credit Indra Strong

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga? Start here with our Diaphragmatic Breathing Video!