Fall In Love With Yourself!

Could an empty pot quench thirst? Not really. In the same way, unless we are filled with love and light, we would not be able to love others.

I love that dress!

I love that movie!

In a day, how often do we declare our love for living and nonliving things? But have you tried “I am in love with myself!” or “I love myself!”? Seems insane?

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Could an empty pot quench thirst? Not really. In the same way, unless we are filled with love and light, we would not be able to love others.

Go on, just hug yourself tightly today; with all your senses and active brain, embrace yourself — just for today, BE YOU!

What Is Self-Love?

“Self-love requires you to be honest about your current choices and thought patterns and undertake new practices that reflect self-worth.” — Caroline Kirk

Self-love is accepting yourself for who you are, even with all your flaws or shortcomings. Accept the fact that your life as an individual doesn’t need to be perfect. Self-love is not about getting a spa/massage or going out on an adventurous trip; it’s about the realization of your likes and dislikes, it’s about your image in a mirror.

You do not need to wear a layer of cosmetics or the most famous brands as your costumes. Just be yourself. Self-love is all about accepting, respecting, acknowledging your individuality. On asking Maa Gyaan Suveera to define self-love, she says:

“Self-love is primarily about self-work, self-value where an individual has a lot of acceptance and self-worth. No sympathizing with yourself; just enjoy each day as it comes, have fun! An individual needs to understand his journey — and with a smiley approach, love the soul.”

Why Should I Love Myself?

We were born as pure souls, but as we grew up, we started believing what others had to say about us — from being dark-skinned to being short to having gray hair at an early age to being the person who scored third division in a board exam.

As you stood in front of the mirror, you always looked at those shortcomings and not-too-beautiful eyes that allow you to see the beautiful world, or your brain that allows you to create beautiful thoughts. You started putting all your energy to get away with those flaws, just to “look and feel better” for others.

This is where, we drain ourselves and abandon our energy store.

Just flip the situation: “Yes, I have gray hair, but it still has so much volume, and I do not have hair fall.” Wouldn’t that create a positive impact? I accepted myself with shortcomings, and I could still create positivity around me. I look at my hair as I want, not as what others tell me!

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha

Maa Gyaan Suveera adds, “When you have a deeper understanding of self-love, your perception about others changes; you cultivate patience, you build an accommodative understanding and your response to the world would change.”

Would Self-Love Not Portray Me As Selfish?

Could you breathe for others? Do you sleep for others? Or do you eat for others? Do you maintain your personal hygiene for yourself or for others? Then how can loving yourself make your look selfish?

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” — Lucille Ball

A story narrated by Buddha is worth mentioning here:

There was once a pair of acrobats. The teacher was a poor widower, and the student was a young girl by the name of Meda. These acrobats performed each day on the streets to earn enough to eat.

Their act consisted of the teacher balancing a tall bamboo pole on his head while the little girl climbed slowly to the top. Once at the top, she remained there while the teacher walked along the ground.

Both performers had to maintain complete focus and balance to prevent any injury from occurring and to complete the performance. One day, the teacher said to the pupil:

‘Listen, Meda; I will watch you, and you watch me so that we can help each other maintain concentration and balance and prevent an accident. Then we’ll surely earn enough to eat.’

But the little girl was wise, she answered, ‘Dear master, I think it would be better for each of us to watch ourselves. To look after oneself means to look after both of us. That way I am sure we will avoid any accidents and earn enough to eat.’

Explanation: This story is meant to illustrate that taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do to take care of others.

“Self-care is never a selfish act — it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.” — Parker Palmer

How Could I Practice Self-Love?

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” — Howard Washington Thurman

Maa Gyaan Suveera says, “A lot of contemplation of thoughts (sic) is needed, there is universal love, you just need to dwell in and get your share. An individual could start with a ten-minute meditation schedule, penning down the points of resistance and accepting them with love and gratitude. On trying to make any changes, get them executed softly; no harsh treatment like crash diets or crash courses. Go slowly and maintain consistency and discipline.”

Some handy tips:

• Start your day with love and positivity — and not with technology. Remind yourself of your presence: A quick meditation to calm you down, and look forward to a positive day ahead.
• Make a conscious effort to keep yourself happy; if you are filled with negative thoughts, STOP and divert your attention.
• Understand your emotions — let them flow.
• Go with the flow; if a situation does not go according to your plan, reassure yourself — everything happens for your good.
• Respect and appreciate yourself, your body, mind senses, and soul.
• Listen to your inner voice.
• Forgive yourself and others, let it go: No hard feelings, no guilt.
• Be patient.
• Do not punish yourself.
• And last but not the least… BE YOU, BE REAL!

Originally published at sheroes.com.