Welcome to your new weekly dose of self-love done right and there is no better time to start than right now!
Here at Cozy we genuinely believe in taking time to pamper, protect and prosper in the art of self-love.
This journey is all about you!
Self-Discovery
Over the coming weeks and months we will delve into the journey of self discovery together. Looking at wonderful life changing techniques, exercises and actions. This will help you recognize your self-worth, boost self-esteem bringing a genuine sense of peace, happiness and wellbeing.
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Gratitude
The very beginning of our self-love journey of course could start at no better place than acknowledging the person you are today. That is to say taking some precious time to acknowledge all the special qualities, characteristics and talents that make you who you are. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what we receive and have. With gratitude, we acknowledge the blessings in our life. In recognizing the source of these blessings lies partially outside of ourselves we are able to connect with something larger. Whether it be to ourselves, others, nature or a higher power. Gratitude improves relationships, wellbeing, optimism, increased happiness and helps cultivate positive emotions.
Mind
One of the greatest tools in the toolkit on the journey of discovering self-love is embracing our imperfections. For example, when we surrender to the understanding that we all experience similar obstacles we are able embrace self acceptance in a new way. In the book “The Untethered Soul” Michael Singer states “True personal growth is about transcending the part of you that is not ok and needs protection”. Most importantly, it is here that we come to realize we are not the voice talking but the one who notices it.
Once we embrace this concept we are truly able to open the door to an inner journey of self-discovery. For instance, the voice we hear chatting away ceaselessly is also the source of our stress, depression, self criticism and avoidance. With some practice we will find peace and contentment through our commitment to reclaiming the hold of the habitual mind.
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Body
One of the most important steps on the journey to self-love is creating life balance. It is very easy to get swept up in a busy life and our responsibilities to others. These demands on our daily life often act as a distraction from what we truly need for ourselves. The intuitive voice inside us is constantly giving us clues as to how to look after ourselves best.
Make A List
The best way to begin addressing these is to examine these clues and act upon them. Firstly, this might include beginning with a wellness list that will put us on the path to a happy, healthy body. Set some time aside each day that is purely dedicated to taking special care of your physical body and you will see the benefits.
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Secondly, start by making a list of activities you enjoy like taking a bath before bed, going for a run, book a massage, take vitamins, stretching and keeping well hydrating.
Spirit
The spiritual side of self-love is another area which will be completely unique to you. That is to say our connection to spirit may include a number of different things. For example, try spending time in nature, with animals, meditating, praying or simply spending time in solitude. Furthermore, another side to developing our spiritual connection through self-love can also include creating healthy boundaries. Cultivating a path that allows you to free your energy so that you can free yourself.
Therefore, in time you will begin to cultivate a deeply personal relationship with spirit which will help guide and motivate you.
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In conclusion the most important part to remember is that you are making a commitment to yourself. To begin let’s look at three steps to help start you on your way.
Self-Love Steps
- To accept yourself and feel gratitude for the unique human that you are. In delving deeper we will look at the seven divisions of self-love including; self-awareness, self-exploration, self-care, self-esteem, self-kindness, self-respect and self-growth.
- Make a commitment to yourself that no matter what comes up you will work through it. We all have a shadow which makes us feel not good enough, unlovable or unworthy. Embrace this shadow as a part of your path to liberation.
- Encourage yourself by thinking about what you would say to your younger self. Read positive affirmations, make a bucket list of things you would like to accomplish, count your blessings with a gratitude jar. Begin to treat yourself like you would the special people in your life.
To sum up, a very important aspect in learning to love ourselves is that learning is a continuous process. Obstacles will arise and setbacks are inevitable. If you embrace these as a challenge you have already risen to the occasion.
Let the journey begin…