The Practice Of Self-Love

Self-love isn't a given, it's a practice. We have to work at it, coming back to the energy of self-love and self-care, even and especially if we are angry at ourselves, if we've made a mistake, or we're just feeling down on ourselves. Tap into the powerful energy of this self-love and self-care and give yourself the medicine of your own best intentions to love yourself better.

Transcript

Welcome to this meditation for self-love and self-care. Self-love is a practice, It's not a given. We have to work at it, Especially when we have times where we know we haven't treated ourselves with as much kindness and tenderness as we could have. If you've spoken to yourself harshly, If you feel you've made some mistake, Or if you're angry with yourself for some reason, That's totally okay. Today we're going to practice returning to self-love and acceptance for exactly who we are today, Flaws and all. It doesn't matter whether or not we always act perfectly or never make a mistake. What matters is that we keep doing our best to return to the practice of self-love, Over and over again, Throughout our whole lives. This way, We cultivate intimacy with our one true love, The one relationship that will last until we die, Our relationship with ourselves. So take a moment to get comfortable for your meditation if you haven't already. Even this could be a first gesture towards self-loving. What is a genuinely comfortable position for you? Could be laying down or sitting upright, Or even going for a walk. What would be the sweetest place for your body to focus on this meditation? And keep in mind that can change. It's totally okay to move around during your meditation as well. Now take a few deep breaths to slow down and focus in on what you're feeling. Tap into the self-loving part of you. The part that cares for this body. The part that wants to love you, Even if that's sometimes hard. The part that is choosing to take the time to do this meditation today. As you consider this intention and this energy of self-love, Where do you feel it in your body? What does it feel like? Does it have an image, A texture, A shape, A word? Breathe into these sensations in your body, Related to your sense of self-love or your intention to love yourself. If you like, You could even put your hands on this part of your body. Feel the energy of your hands on your body. If you're not feeling this in any particular part of your body, You could simply place your hands over top of your heart. Feel the energy of your hands on your body. The energy of self-love beneath them. Perhaps it feels like a shining light or a warmth. Notice that there is an unlimited amount of this love energy. The more you focus on it and allow yourself to feel it, The more there is in your body. There's plenty to share if you wanted to. You could also keep it all to yourself today, If that's what you need. It's your choice. Imagine soaking up the energy of this self-love with your hands. Feel the heat or the light drawing into your hands from your body. Keep breathing deeply. Your breath is like air to a fire. As you breathe into this energy, You help it to grow bigger and more powerful. As you do this, You may notice some resistance from somewhere in your body. Perhaps there's the part that is not self-loving today. That's okay. That's simply a different part of you today. We can even hold that part with love and tenderness. Even the part that resists this healing practice. We don't need to shush it, Nor do we need to listen to it too closely. We can simply gather it into our arms, Holding its pain with the power of our love. Perhaps there is another, Specific part of your body that needs a little bit of this energy today. A part that hurts or feels tired, Or where there's some illness or injury if there is. You could move your hands to that part of your body, Offering the light of self-love wherever healing may be needed. Feel this energy soothing and holding the hurt or the pain. No need to judge it or analyze it or wonder what it needs. Simply offer yourself the light of your own self-love. If there's no particular hurt anywhere, Simply continue to feel this energy filling up your whole body, Your whole mind and spirit. Take as long as you need, Breathing into the energy of self-love and unconditional self-acceptance. It's always there for you to access anytime you remember even your intention to love yourself. Even on days when it feels hard to actually love yourself. This is the practice, And you are doing it. When you're ready to close your meditation, Bring your hands together in front of your heart and gently bow to yourself. Taking a moment to honor your choice today in practicing self-love.

Reviews

Another helpful meditation from this teacher. I appreciate the suggestion that self love is a practice. I struggle with it. I also appreciate the idea that simply my action of doing this meditation is an act of self love. At one point I found myself giving myself a hug. Many thanks for offering this.

I discovered this meditation at just the right time today. Or maybe it discovered me. Thank you for recording it. Everything about it is compassion. ❤️‍🩹

Love the recognition that getting comfortable is highly unique, and that it's okay to change position or move during practice. I have to do so often, and sometimes it's a bit frustrating to hear guidance that assumes (or directs) that I be seated the entire time. Sitting is difficult for me physically but I do do this sometimes. More often I am using my kneeling bench, sitting in a chair, lying in an adjustable bed if I'm experiencing back spasms, walking, or engaging in contemplative photography or free writing. Sometimes I even juggle, which was one of my first meditative practices before I knew what meditation was really even all about. So thank you SO much for recognizing this positioning topic - this truly does permit the most relaxed, lovely sense of acceptance and comfort during this practice devoted to self-love and care.
I see you and the light within you, Julie. Be well. 🤲🏻❤🤲🏻