In our culture, February has become synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Past the consumerism, however, you will find the real quality of LOVE and beneath that, you will find that SELF LOVE is the root of all Love.
In my transformational work with clients, as well as in my own life, I have come to know that self love is the single most distinguishing ingredient to experiencing a fulfilling life. With Self Love, you have everything. Without Self Love, regardless of your success, money, possessions and even love relationships, you have nothing.
All real love starts with self love because you can’t give away what you don’t have.
So, what is this illusive practice of Self Love? When we experience mature love, we feel seen, valued, acknowledged and appreciated. When we are accepted for who we are and experience the safety to “be” all of ourselves, we feel cherished. Cultivating this “mature love” within ourselves is the art and practice of self love, the most important love there is.
This practice isn’t always easy to do, but it is always fulfilling. It isn’t always comfortable, but it is always satisfying. The places within us that we deem least attractive are actually the places that need our love THE MOST. When we are willing to inwardly connect, accept and nourish the neediest, most “orphaned” places within us, layers of protection fall away.
One of my favorite Rumi quotes, “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it”. When we soften our inner barriers, we are able to live with an undefended heart. An open heart is receptive to love. An open heart is able to give and receive love freely, without condition or expectation.
This month I encourage you to nurture the NEEDIEST, LEAST ATTRACTIVE places within you! In my experience, practicing Self Love is the richest spiritual practice there is … because the quality of your life IS your life!