In episode #3 (the previous episode) I talked about what love isn't and the importance of practically defining what it is. I think this should be a conversation, but an honest and a brave one which aims to find a practical definition for love which we can actually use in day-to-day situations and which aligns with our individual truths and has room to accommodate what feels healthy and safe to each of us. Proclaiming love while doing harm does not make it love. 

What would happen if we used the same inquiry when it comes to the topic of self-love. This word is used a lot these days, but that doesn't mean that is isn't confusing. It can be confusing and seem unattainable and we need a place to start. That is what this episode is about. Hope you enjoy it! 

In this episode I reflect on what love might mean in a very practical sense. In other words, what can we learn about love that will help us not just proclaim it but practice it in our everyday lives. 

I mention a book by Bell Hooks: All About Love: New Visions. The Kindle title includes the phrase "Love Song to the Nation", so you will hear me say that in the audio because I am reading it on Kindle. 

In the audio I couldn't think of the first name of the author John Bradshaw who has written on toxic shame and, as Bell Hooks points out in her book, apparently also on love (Creating Love by John Bradshaw). Haven't read the book on love by Bradshaw yet, but it is going on my list:) 

I recorded this episode as a voice note before I decided to go ahead and start a podcast, so in the beginning you will hear me talking about the process of figuring out the best way to share these thoughts and ideas with you.  In the end the podcast seemed to be the best way to do this, so I am sharing this voice note with you as the first official episode. 

I share some thoughts on getting our humanity back as part of the process healing ourselves and the world. For me this feels like an essential step, so that we (especially as white people) can stop projecting our lack of humanity onto others. I was prompted to share this after reading an Instagram post shared by Layla F. Saad. 

I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kirsten. 

Growing up I found that there were a lot of guidelines about how you were meant to do things, apparently. 

I look around as an adult and it seems to be the same thing. I once read a study about too many traffic signs causing an increase in accidents. I feel this way sometimes when I set out to do something new. Since this podcast is in part about rethinking what is sane I have followed none of the guidelines regarding what a podcast should look like while making it. I hope that you enjoy this offering which is probably more like someone leaving you a voice note on your phone:)