Yoga improves all aspects of our lives, both on and off the mat.

Here are ten ways yoga improves your dating life. Who knew Patanjali had as much insight into dating as Carrie Bradshaw?

1. Yoga makes you more attractive.

More powerful than the “yoga butt” is inner beauty. Yoga is an inside job and when one is doing the spiritual work, their light shines brightly.

2. Yoga helps you make better choices.

Those who practice regularly have noticed the natural sloughing off of things that no longer serve, such as certain foods (like meat) or old habits. Yoga also encourages “right relationships” so we choose to be close to people who encourage our growth and support us.
3. Yoga teaches the importance of breath.

Breathing creates space between our reactions and thoughts and is a great way to allay any anxiety that may pervade the dating process. It also allows for clearer decision-making.

4. Yoga has a built in dating pool.

While I’m not condoning picking up someone in the middle of asana class, the yoga community is filled with like-minded spiritual people and there are lots of opportunities, such as festivals and kirtans to meet that special someone.

5. Yoga encourages positivity.

Pratipaksha bhavanam means taking a negative event and finding the positive aspects. So even after a not-so-good date, yogis are able to see the positive side. For example, although the person was not a love match, they could become a new friend.

6. Yoga makes you more flexible.

Through the practice of non-attachment, yogis are able to go with the flow, making them flexible both outside and in.

7. Yogis live from a place of abundance.

Yoga teaches us that the world is an abundant place. If it doesn’t work out with one person, you will meet someone else.

8. Yoga teaches to trust and surrender.

There is a greater plan at work and although we may not get what (we think) we want, there is something incredibly liberating in trusting in a broader plan where we are taken care of and all is well.

9. Yoga teaches presence.

Relationships can bring up old stuff and trigger fears, which is why it is so important to remain grounded and present.

10. “Practice, practice and all is coming.”

Also known as duty-dating, you may have to kiss a lot of frogs in order to find your prince or princess. But each date that doesn’t work out brings you closer to the one that will. Keep practicing, keep dating; that special person is coming.

Dating is not dissimilar to a yoga practice.

There are moments of ease and moments of difficulty. It can feel exceptionally good or it can be extraordinarily uncomfortable, sometimes even simultaneously.

New relationships push people out of their comfort zones.

And our work as yogis is to remain steady through the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that arise, so we can digest and process whatever is coming up and come out the other end clear and open to receiving love.

Hmm, sounds a bit like king pigeon pose to me.

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Ed: Catherine Monkman