Class Mantra

“I mirror the love I wish to give and receive.”

Opening Reflection

Welcome. Tonight, our focus is on love—not only how we give love, but how we receive it. Every one of us has a “love language,” a way our heart naturally feels seen and nourished. Some of us light up with words of affirmation, others with acts of service, gifts, quality time, or touch. The key is not only knowing your own love language, but also discovering the love language of someone you care for. When we do this, love is no longer accidental; it becomes intentional.

Just like yoga helps us become fluent in the language of the body, learning another’s love language helps us become fluent in the language of connection. Tonight, as we flow, let your mat be a reminder that love is a practice, not a possession.

Topic 1 – The Mirror of Love

Metaphor: Love languages are like mirrors. If your mirror is fogged, you might not see clearly how love is being offered. But when you wipe away the fog—when you learn someone else’s language—you suddenly see love that was there all along.

Reflection: Many arguments come not from a lack of love, but from love being spoken in a language the other person cannot hear. For love to truly be seen and felt, we must mirror our partner’s love language. Otherwise, it is like speaking to them in a foreign language—they may hear the sound of our words, but the meaning will not reach their heart.

Quotes:

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dalai Lama

“When you seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.”

“Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our heart.” – Rumi

“Love is when you look in someone’s eyes and see everything you need.”

Topic 2 – Listening with the Heart

Metaphor: Think of love as a song. Some people prefer the melody, others the rhythm, others the lyrics. If you only listen for your favorite part, you miss the full beauty of the song.

Reflection: Loving well requires us to step out of our own preferences and truly listen to the whole song. To be curious, to ask: “What makes your heart feel loved?” This is the path of mindfulness in relationships—paying attention without judgment.

Quotes:

“Can you look without the voice in your head commenting, drawing conclusions, comparing or trying to figure something out?” – Eckhart Tolle

“Those who love you remember your beauty when you feel ugly, your wholeness when you are broken.” – Alan Cohen

“Life gives us whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of our consciousness.” – David Scott

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha

Topic 3 – Rooted in Self-Love

Metaphor: A tree with deep roots can give shade, fruit, and shelter. But if it is not nourished, it cannot give for long. Loving others deeply starts with loving ourselves.

Reflection: Yoga teaches that self-love is not selfishness. It is tending to your own roots so you can pour into others without running dry. Tonight, as you move, let every breath be an act of love toward yourself.

Quotes:

“I am rooted, yet I flow.” – David Scott

“When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval.” – Epictetus

“The ones most grounded reach the highest.”

“Think of the self-love you are giving yourself in your yoga practice tonight, as a medicine for healing the earth.” – David Scott

Topic 4 – The Gift of Presence

Metaphor: Imagine receiving a beautifully wrapped gift box. When you open it, it’s empty—but inside is the gift of someone’s undivided presence. No distraction, no phone, no agenda. Just them, fully with you.

Reflection: Presence is perhaps the most universal love language. No matter what someone’s primary language is, every heart understands presence. Tonight, as you breathe, as you move, as you open your heart, remember that your presence is the greatest gift you can give to someone you love.

Quotes:

“When you love someone, the best thing you can offer is your presence. How can you love if you are not there?” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”

“May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night…” – Apache Blessing

“Yoga teaches us to create a life that feels good on the inside and not just the outside.”

Topic 5 – The Leaking Pot of Love (Closing Story)

Metaphor (Story): There was once a woman who walked each morning to the stream to gather water. She carried a large clay pot on her head, but it had a small crack, and with every step, water leaked out along the path. One morning, a friend stopped her and said, “Don’t you know your pot has a leak?” The woman smiled and replied, “Yes, I know. But haven’t you noticed the wildflowers blooming all along our path? Each day, the water that leaks nourishes them, and now the path to my home is lined with beauty.”

Reflection: Love is not about perfection. Sometimes the very places where we “leak” become the places where beauty grows. In our relationships, we may not always love in flawless ways. But when we love intentionally, even our cracks can become blessings. Recognizing someone else’s love language is like noticing the wildflowers—they may not grow in the place we expected, but they make the journey more beautiful.

Quotes:

“Forget injuries, but never forget kindnesses.” – Confucius

“Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our heart.” – Rumi

“Sometimes it’s not strength but gentleness that cracks the hardest shells.” – Richard Paul Evans

“Love is the only thing in this world that covers up all pain and makes someone feel wonderful again.” – Liam Neeson

Closing Reflection

As we step off the mat tonight, may we carry with us the courage to love bravely, the patience to listen deeply, and the wisdom to see clearly. Love is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes it is a gentle word, a moment of presence, or a small act of kindness that speaks louder than any gift. And just like the woman with the leaking pot, may we remember that even our cracks can water wildflowers if we love with intention.