3 Ways to Cultivate Authentic Self-Love

I often hear: How can I authentically practice self-love if I don’t truly love myself?

In the world of personal development, so much advice is predicated on caring for oneself first.

But what if the feeling isn’t there?

We cannot command self-love to manifest, nor should we “fake it till we make it.” But we can nurture it along.

The key to the practice of self-love is… practice!

Here are three ways you can begin to practice now. And remember, be gentle with yourself.

Tend to your instrument

You are a spiritual being with a desire to be human and not the other way around.

Make a daily priority of nurturing your mind-body-spirit connection by practicing presence and awareness with conscious breath and meditation.

Your body is the instrument your soul has chosen for this human adventure. Be kind to it. Be sensitive to the feedback and power of this incredible spiritual-biological miracle that you ride around in.

Attuned and optimized for the manifestation of your soul's destiny, your body will support you in your quest for self-love and soul-realization.

Ready to get started? Explore this simple, three-minute breathing exercise:

As we discuss the importance of nurturing self-love and the journey of inner healing, it's crucial to take actionable steps toward personal growth. With this in mind, consider joining The Happy Sessions Retreat from May 24-26, 2024, at Oceanstone Seaside Resort in Nova Scotia, Canada.

This retreat is designed to help you deepen your self-love and awaken your soul in a transformative setting. Embark on a journey to rediscover your true self – secure your spot now as spaces are limited.

Turn your compassion inward

Be mindful of your inner dialogue and notice how you speak to yourself. Would you let another person speak to you that way?

Just like everyone else, you need acceptance, attention, and permission to feel and heal.

Don’t dismiss your internal suffering or discomfort. Instead, meet it head-on by gazing inward without judgment.

Be your own best advocate, the kindest and most compassionate person you can imagine.

Practice forgiveness for yourself

We all know the importance of forgiving others: by letting go of anger and resentment, we not only release them but we free ourselves from negativity. But what about forgiving ourselves?

Years ago, through shamanic journeying, I came face to face with my five-year-old self. A little girl whose beauty, ferocity, exuberance, strength, humour, and connection to spirit brought me to tears.

Yet, as I gazed upon her, her exuberance began to fade into an intense sadness. In my haste to become an adult, I had left her behind. The feeling broke my heart.

“Forgive me,” I ask her. And she easily did.

But the hardest part was yet to come.

I needed to forgive myself for having left her behind for so long.

I choked on a range of emotions as I breathed through the process.

As I did, the little girl and I began to merge and become one.

The gesture of self-forgiveness was tremendous.

I realized that this unconscious guilt had been keeping me separate from innate parts of myself that were crucial to my happiness and self-actualization.

You can practice self-forgiveness without shamanic journeying: look in the mirror and lock eyes with your reflection.

Breathe deeply and look into your eyes with kindness and tenderness. Consider that these are the eyes of the beautiful, fierce, exuberant, strong, funny, little child that lives in you.

Offer the same compassionate and generous forgiveness that you would naturally extend to any innocent child that came to you.

With each deep breath, soften your heart and allow yourself to accept all that you are, smile at yourself, and with your final breath whisper, “I love you.

Love,
Anne xo

Reclaim Self-Love at The Happy Sessions Retreat

Join The Happy Sessions Retreat (May 24-26, 2024, at Oceanstone Seaside Resort, Nova Scotia, Canada). This transformative weekend is designed to deepen your self-love and awaken your soul. Limited spaces are available for this life-changing experience. Secure your spot and embark on a journey to rediscover your true self.