No one said this life was going to be easy. Of course every part of us figures if we don’t have any problems or challenges we are successful and free of our problems. This is an illusion of separation. There is not a single person on this planet who doesn’t have a single thing to acknowledge, work on or change. This is where our individuality plays a huge role in transmuting. Each of our unique energetic makeups is encoded with specific patterns, insights, ways of being and purpose. In a world where self help is a large theme of psychological insight into the self, going inward is the only way to find true purpose.

What works for someone else to connect with themselves may not work for you and that is completely okay. If we all were the same there would be no need for each one of us to be here. Let us remember that we are all a unique expression of source. You are here to declare who you are, in your authenticity. You are here to get to know yourself and share your gifts with the world.

Self love has been one of the biggest ways for me to connect with my highest self and purpose. Once we begin to build patterns and routines around caring for ourselves we build a relationship with the essential needs for ourselves to work at high function. This state of being i tend to refer to as bliss. When we are completely wrapped in the essence of our peaceful embrace and are open to receiving love from the self.

Dedicating time in your day or week that is strictly for you to nurture yourself and take care of whatever you need is essential for grounding and focus. When we resist the need to slow down and take care of ourselves often our bodies pick up sickness, stress or pain. We can easily shake off a lot of the common ailments if we take at least ten minutes to half an hour, AT LEAST, to care for the self. Self love comes in many forms and I feel it is apart of my purpose to share with you some way in which I connect with my body and senses to live a fulfilled well rounded life. Through self love I have integrated practicing healthy thought patterns, behavioral patterns, communication, boundaries, and time management. We have a vast surplus of energy within us but unfortunately with the fast pace of the average work day many find it hard to slow down and connect with their bodies and minds.

I have put together a list of daily practices one can integrate into their life to work toward a well rounded practice of self love. These practices are free to be modified to your ability and however you would like to change anything up. Every body, mind and soul is unique so don’t discourage yourself if you have a hard time getting into a practice, I fully recommend starting slow and easy. Getting down the basics and encouraging yourself to fit different modalities into your daily routine.

SELF LOVE

1. Breathing Meditation- breathing exercises are the best way to get connected with your being. I typically start with taking some deep inhales, holding, breathing out deeply and repeating. Then work into extended breaths and short breaths. There is no right or wrong way to breathe but there is breathing with intention. Every breath has the power to move energy through your body. It has the power to revitalize your cells and awaken your potential. Each breath sends signals, chemicals and hormones through the body that relax, calm and energize the cells. Through our breath we can learn our boundaries, expand our essence and cleanse our bodies. Start your day with 5-10 minutes of breathing meditation daily to integrate this healing practice with intention. I like to set focus on intending for my breath to work through the body and remove any blocks or limitations that do not serve my highest well being. I then allow my breath to work its magic. The body naturally knows how to keep you alive, the breath is a powerful tool that once we connect with we realize how much it does for our being.

2. Mirror Gazing- this exercise incorporates a mirror and your body. A great way to create a relationship with your body is by becoming familiar with all of the parts that make up your being. Get comfortable with all of the nooks and crannies, lines and scars, lumps and bumps. This is your body that gets you around wherever you need to go. Look at it. Give thanks for it. Look into your eyes. Get familiar with the soul inside of this vessel. Dance, talk, move around, sing, connect with that person in the mirror and get to know them quirks and all.

3. Get into Nature- everyday is an opportunity to connect with the body and the world around you. Nature is one of my favorite ways to get connected with beauty, gratitude and the divine essence of life. Through nature we are able to expand our awareness, integrate skills, listen and surrender. I love to go into the forest and utilize all of my senses. This connects my body to the vibratory field of Earth and in return all pains, stresses and anxieties are placed into the Earth to be healed. A tree, a plant, the ocean and all the creatures have vast amounts of knowledge to share with us. Walking into nature without an agenda is a great way to neutralize your field and vibrate in love.

4. Waterfall Cleansing Meditation- one of my favorite ways to cleanse is to take a shower and imagine the water is a beautiful waterfall flowing around you. Allow the waterfall to wash away any of your worries, fears and insecurities. Imagine the water nurturing you, cradling you and loving you unconditionally. Allow the water to flow over you and cleanse your space. You can physically go into pulling off the heaviness or density of these emotions and fears by focusing your attention to where there is pain, stagnation or tension in the body and physically pulling the energy off with the water cleansing the space. Imagine your being surrounded by the most beautiful mosses and plants. Basking you in their heart open ambience. Cleansing you with every droplet of water.

5. Healthy Eating Patterns- in our society today it is so hard to keep a well balanced diet, that supports our nutritional needs. It is important for us to build a healthy relationship with food, the cells in food, like plants are natural building blocks for our bodies. When we deplete these cells from tangible resources we begin to go into states of depression, malnutrition and shock. The body is a living, breathing, eating being, we must nurture it with the utmost nutritious foods. Juicing, smoothies, veggies fruits, beans, rice just an example of the many things that are healthy for your being. Creating a happy healthy eating pattern creates a happy healthy body, that in return gifts you with good moods and vibrant energy.

6. Exercise- this is a touchy subject because everyone’s bodies are different and need different exercises to keep them in shape, healthy and vitalized. I believe that everyone should stretch to their ability, introducing the breath to the body can help us dive deeper into stretches. As for a gym and any other vigorous activity, that’s totally up to you. A person must create a healthy relationship with their body to know their capabilities and what is healthy for them. Talking with a trainer at your local gym an help you get on a good workout regiment created for your body type . I do believe we get into a stigma about yoga, every body is different. Go with the flow. Modify. Listen to your body, it should not hurt to stretch. YouTube is full of yoga flows, once you build knowledge on the many positions and structures you can introduce your own style of practice that makes you comfortable and motivated.

7. Writing/ Reflection- journaling allows me to open my mind to its creative potential, express thoughts and feelings, reminisce of experiences from the day, give thanks and much more. Writing is a way to embrace what is on your mind without judgement, it is a close friend you can count on to be there when no one else is. Writing with intention is a great way to get started. Some great topics include asking yourself questions (what am I grateful for, what am I feeling, what no longer serves me etc), reflecting with podcasts and videos, writing letters to people even if they never get to hear it. Writing can be a great way to process emotion and allow you time to engage with your emotions and thoughts so you can practice communication and clarity.

8. Affirmations- are a great way to alter your perspective, mindset and vibratory field. Affirmations are a declaration of an intention. I typically use affirmations in alignment with my chakras so making statements with I am, I feel, I do, I love, I speak, I see, I understand. These mantras will not only change the way you talk to yourself but will enhance your essence and allow you to channel into your own divine expression.

9. Solitude- A huge key for my journey has been allowing myself time to be alone. This enhances my thoughts, focus and clarity. Though solitude will test our ability to be quiet or to let go of attachments it is a worthwhile journey into the depths of your own being. When we dive within we find our truth, answers and messages that allow us to shape our reality. Allow yourself a few days of solitude and see what comes of it. I typically take at least two days of my week to journey within. These days include meditation, writing, dancing, adventuring, being creative and clean eating.

10. Playtime- take time to love on yourself, cater to your needs, ask yourself what you need to be fulfilled and happy, encourage yourself to try new things and be curious. Engage in creative stimulation and engaging conversations. Open your mind to new possibilities and release all expectations for your day.. This is your life, have fun with it. Allow yourself to dive into the freedom of loving you.

Of course there are many ways to enhance our self love practices, here are just a few ways to integrate these practices into your daily life. The key is to not be hard on yourself or compare your journey to another’s. We are all individual experiencing our own lives and way of being. Give yourself space to gently step into the practice of self love and see what obstacles are removed from your vision through mastering your practice.

Much love to all