By Shelly Wilson
The only way that we can now evolve,
therefore, is elegantly simple:
discover, experience, and heal the parts
of ourselves that do not love, and discover,experience, and cultivate the parts that do.
~ Gary Zukav
Love is a feeling, an emotion, a state of being, and even an action. This high-vibrational energy may entail love for self and love for others, which can include familial love, platonic love, intimate love, and unconditional agape love.
Choosing to stay in the heart-space and doing our best to see every individual and experience through the Higher vibration of love — through the lens of love — is essential for our journey into consciousness. With so much chaotic, heavy energy surrounding us at this time, we can recognize the negative energy rather than allow ourselves to become affected by it. Subsequently, we can consciously choose to shift the worry, fearful energy we may feel to one of awareness and concern as it is a different vibration. There are situations that understandably warrant extreme concern for our safety, and we may feel overwhelmed and even consumed by fear in those instances.
How you love yourself is how you teach
others to love you.
~Rupi Kaur
Heart-centered living begins with the practice of self-love, which is compassion for self. With this practice, we actually start to put ourselves first, not from an ego-perspective, but from a heart perspective. When we choose to accept and practice heart-centered living, we understand that we are the central point of the creation of our personal reality. We are, in essence, the center of our Universe. Granted, some individuals may view this concept
as being self-centered, selfish or even inconsiderate. In certain instances, one could possibly deem it as such if neglect for others is involved.
Many individuals find it easy to love others and to express that love but find it challenging or uncomfortable to feel that same loving energy for themselves. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of self-love is the “regard for one’s own well-being and happiness.” Embodying self-love is truly a choice. This practice is not the result of achieving this or attaining that. There is nothing to wait for or anyone to wait on. The practice of self-love is not a destination; it’s an intentional journey.
How we feel and what we do contributes to that metaphorical ocean of oneness. As a drop in the proverbial ocean, we are each creating a ripple by our very act of being. When a friend or family member disagrees with us or has differing beliefs, we can do our best to stay in the space of grace and choose to love even more. Yes, we may be guided to express our point of view, but there is no need to justify it.
Everyone has their own unique human life experience, and therefore will always have their own perception in regards to each experience.
In his book, Whatever Arises, Love That, Matt Kahn refers to “the new paradigm of spirituality as a love revolution that begins with you,” which reminds us that self-love is an aspect of the basic foundation on which we build a happy, healthy and abundant life.
Spread love everywhere you go.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
~ Mother Teresa
Until we are able to fully understand unconditional love and learn to love ourselves, we may be unable to bring the feeling of worthiness to our relationships. Of course, this has nothing to do with selfishness but being awake and aware enough to know that we can only give what we are and have. Therefore, if we do not have love within us and for ourselves, how can we give love, kindness, respect, consideration,
or compassion to others?
We may even be called to connect more deeply to ourselves while listening to our spirit, heart, and physical body. Intentionally devoting time to practicing self-care and self-love will create the same ripple effect throughout all of our relationships. Through the intentional and empowering act of self-love, we can connect with and embrace the power of our hearts as we focus on our physical health and mental/emotional well-being.
Where there is love, there is life.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Practicing heart-centered consciousness is worthwhile and reminds us that love is always here regardless of the situation or circumstances. Being the embodiment of love involves having compassion for ourselves and those around us as well as staying in the space of grace when facing adversity. Whenever possible (and it’s always possible), just be loved!
Self-love is…
• Choosing yourself and taking responsibility for all of your choices and experiences.
• Establishing personal boundaries and knowing what is right for you, including saying no when you mean no rather than saying yes to appease others.
• Saying what you mean to say and also communicating your needs and desires to yourself and to others.
• Taking care of your physical health by providing your body with nourishment, rest, hydration, movement, and the comfort it needs to the best of your ability.
• Honoring your emotions and mental health while recognizing certain people, places, or things that may not be right for you or resonate with you.
• Seeking solace in safe, loving, and supportive environments when possible.
• Wearing clothes that make you feel good.
• Taking time to do whatever you love, just to play, without worrying about wasting time or thinking that you should be doing something more productive.
• Seeing yourself as a beautiful, unique, and miraculous creation without feeling guilty, arrogant, or entitled to do so.
• Not rehashing your self-perceived mistakes and instead choosing to see them as opportunities for learning and growth.
• Spending some quality, connected time with yourself, which may include pampering instead of partaking in activities to just occupy your time.
• Trusting the individualized path that your soul is on without comparing your journey to others and making a genuine effort to become a conscious co-creator of your destiny.
• Listening to your heart (spirit) and following what your gut (intuition) says instead of living solely in your head (ego).
• Intentionally moving into the flow of allowance without feeling the need to over-analyze, over-think, or attempt to control anything you have no control of.
• Knowing how you’re spending your emotional,mental, physical, and financial energy and recognizing whether these activities bring joy,peace, connection, nurturing rest, and creativity to your life.
