Yoga therapy works to get at the root of issues, not just reducing depressive symptoms. Mindfulness meditation, mantra, and chanting are deeply effective for changing our negative mental habits, broadening our perspective of ourselves and our place in the world, and developing self-love and compassion. The practice of metta (loving-kindness)is an example of how to cultivate compassion and self-love. Metta meditation teaches us how to have love and compassion for ourselves, the ones we are close to, and even those we have challenges with. By repeating with as much love and feeling as you can, “May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be safe. May I love and be loved.” We can develop a greater internal experience of joy. This is not the joy that comes from outside experiences like from food, shopping, relationships or work, but a joy that one finds within themselves that is without dependence on anything. This kind of work helps us to experience internal contentment even when faced with outside challenges or discomfort. It makes us better able to handle our suffering and see it as temporary.