Self-love
This is something that I have been thinking about the last few days, as I have been navigating my way through an old mental pattern that has recently come to the surface.
We hear it all the time: LOVE yourself.
But what does it actually mean? Why is it important? And how do we it?
For me, it’s been a lifelong journey, and by going through my own stuff did I realize its true importance.
When we fall into old mental or emotional patterns, our tendency is to beat ourselves up and make ourselves wrong for feeling the way we do.
We may start believing there is something wrong with us for how we’re feeling.
When we do this, knowingly or unknowingly, we end up feeling ashamed. This never feels good.
So what do we do when we fall into an old mental and emotional pattern?
I put together a little cheat sheet to help you the next time you get triggered or fall into an old mental or emotional pattern:
Step 1:
Don’t try to figure it out or fix it.
This may seem counterintuitive, but when we are in it, putting pressure on ourselves to fix it or figure it out only escalates the situation.
Instead, let yourself off the hook a little. Give yourself a break and trust that when you are meant to understand it, you will.
Also, ask for help.
Just this morning as I was meditating, I heard a 'not so nice'
voice share its opinion, which immediately made me feel bad.
In that moment, I asked for help. I said, "God, Universe, please show me what I need to know about this. Show me what to let go and how to make sense of this. I am offering this over to you now. Please show me the way."
In a few minutes I heard the call. (If you're new to this type of work, be patient, as it will take time to develop. The more you practice and ask for help, the more open you will become and the easier it will be to hear or see the messages from your higher self, spirit or God.)
Here is a simple practice:
Get into a comfortable position
Take three DEEP breathes
Open your heart
Ask to receive love and light
Feel the love and compassion that is here for you now.
Step 2:
Mother yourself.
Imagine an inner kid living inside of you right now. Imagine that part of you is scared and unsure of a few things.
Connect with that inner kid inside of you.
Ask him or her what she needs to feel loved and safe.
Bless him or her with your love.
Here are a few words you can tell yourself and/or your inner kid:
"I know it’s been hard, and I am sorry for that, but know that I see you, I love you, and I am proud of you.
This won’t last forever and before we know it, we will be out of it.
For now, know that you are loved, I love you, and we are safe."
Step 3:
Be Patient with yourself.
This doesn’t need much explanation, it’s just a good reminder to be patient with yourself.
One step further
Here are a few questions to ask yourself once you have risen out of it and you’re feeling more like yourself:
1.) How is this happening for me?
2.) If I were to view this situation from the eyes of love or my pet or an animal, what would I see?
3.) How have I changed or grown from this experience? How am I different? (Feel appreciation for yourself and BE proud.)
4.) Connect with the Universe and say, "Thank you, I love you." See if there are any messages from spirit.
Sending love!
Sarah