Self love and self care have become popular topics in recent times. It is easy to mistake these ideas in our culture as being selfish, ego driven, or “do what thou wilt.” However this could not be further from the truth. On a fundamental level self love is about healing yourself so that you can better love and care for the people and beings in your life. What are we doing saying mean things to ourselves when we would never say those things to a stranger or a loved one? We must change our attitude toward ourselves to one of compassion and patience. Once we can give and receive our own self love, then we can better know how to give and receive love to and from others. Steps to Healing Through Self Love
1. If you want to heal you must KNOW you can heal. This is stronger than merely a belief. This is a deep understanding and a knowing that you WILL heal the trauma and suffering you have endured.
2. Knowing you already possess the necessary abilities to heal naturally. Healing starts from the inside and works out. Go within and set good intentions. Trust that your mind, body, soul and spirit can heal your self. Repeat positive mantras and ask the universe to give you guidance in healing.
3. Be mindful that the external can help and/or inhibit your healing journey. Find people, activities, experiences, and practices that facilitate and bring about self care and self love in your life. There are many avenues to choice from in this step. Have fun exploring what makes you most happy. What brings your life purpose and benefits those around you in a positive way. What is healthy for you is not only healing to you, but also to strangers and those you love.
4. Realize healing is a process and not an end result. While it is possible to be healed from your trauma, healing will always be apart of your life. Our world is imperfect and so are we. Have patience for yourself and others as they embark on their healing journey.