Do you love yourself? Do you really, really love yourself?
Self-love has become a popular topic nowadays. Many people know that they “should” love themselves. However, a great deal of confusion prevails. What does self-love really mean? And how do you actually do it?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, self-love is “an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue” or “proper regard for one’s own happiness and well-being.” These definitions sound quite positive.
However, other definitions make self-love out to sound negative. Dictionary.com defines self-love as: “conceit, vanity, narcissism,” or “the instinct by which one’s actions are directed to the promotion of one’s own welfare or well-being, especially an excessive regard for one’s own advantage.”
Ouch. It’s no wonder we have such confusion! Worthiness and happiness are important aspects of our spiritual journey. Yet on the other hand, most caring people do not want to be conceited or narcissistic, nor to love themselves at the expense of others.
On the quest for self-love, I’ve searched high and low for a deeper understanding of what self-love really means. Here are 3 surprising truths I’ve discovered.
Self-Love Truth #1: Embodying Love
Self-love is not defined by how many ab exercises you do nor how many positive affirmations you say throughout the day, such as “I love myself” or “I am worthy of love.” Self-love goes much deeper than the level of thought or action.
Self-love is not something to do or accomplish. It’s a way of BEING.
Self-love is about embodying the energy of love. Love is “the force” that flows through all things. Love is a vibration that you can tap into and embody any moment of any day. Love is the nature of your soul.
Contrary to what dictionaries may say, self-love is not about loving yourself at the expense of anyone else. Self-love allows you to tap into the deep well-spring of love within. It’s about embodying love in every cell of your body and energy field.
When you are full of love from deep within, love naturally overflows to everyone and everything in your life. Your self-love raises the vibration of the entire planet. If you want more love in the world, it starts with you.
Self-Love Truth #2: Being Your Authentic Self
Since love is the nature of your soul, self-love is about embodying your soul in physical form. In other words, self-love means letting your soul shine!
You don’t have to do anything to love yourself. Just simply BE your beautiful, authentic self. Stop trying to fit yourself into boxes or cookie-cutter images of “beauty.” Stop trying to be anything or anyone other than who you truly are.
Self-love is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about accepting yourself enough to actually BE yourself. What relief and relaxation that brings! What if you knew deep down that you no longer had to perform, pretend, or put on a show? What if you no longer had to hide or wear a mask?
You do not have to impress anyone or gain approval or acceptance from others. You’ve got everything you need within yourself. Ironically, the more you accept yourself, the more others will accept you too.
Essentially, self-love is about being your authentic self. And your authentic self is quite amazing.
Self-Love Truth #3: Self-Love is Sexy!
When you love yourself, you show up in the world with confidence. Confidence is the sexiest quality that anyone can possess. Self-love is hot, sexy, and attractive!
Since self-love is about embodying your authentic self, it’s also about embodying your sacred sexual energy. Your sexual energy is your life force energy. It’s your soul essence flowing through your body. In other words, your sexual energy is an important aspect of your authentic self!
Self-love involves embracing and loving your body and your sexuality. When you love yourself, a light turns on from deep within. Your inner glow shines brightly. You carry yourself as though you’ve got your own back. And that is incredibly sexy!
In my next article, I’ll share ways to light your sexual fire. Stay tuned.
Action Step: Self-Love Splendor
Before you get out of bed in the morning, place your hands on your heart. Recall a moment from your life when you felt loved. Notice the feelings and sensations in your body. This helps you tap into the vibration of love!
Allow those loving sensations to flow throughout your entire body. Now that you are filled with love, imagine yourself moving confidently through the day ahead. This will boost your self-love and confidence. Try this practice for 7 days in a row and see how you feel.
Originally posted on SoulSpring.org on 19 February 2020
