Without self love, there is no love
Why do we expect things from people? Why do we ask people to do things for us that we won’t ever do for ourselves? Why do we neglect ourselves to please the people around us? Why do we speak badly about ourselves? Why do we allow our lives to stay stagnant when there is so much room for growth?
We do these things because our ego’s need to feel safe. Our ego’s crave attention from outside sources hoping that they will bring us everything we ever dreamed of. When we embrace the ego, we forget that real happiness comes from inside, not outside. Everything we need is already within.
I always thought I had love for myself when I was younger. I thought what I was doing for myself was enough. It wasn’t until I started practicing, and I mean really practicing yoga that I realized I was not holding space for myself when I needed to be. It took time but I soon realized that every choice I make, whatever it may be, is an echo of how I want to show up for myself. I realized that if I want to attract long lasting happiness into my life, I must find that happiness inside first.
Our lives are like mirrors. They reflect and attract.
When I talk about self-love, I don’t mean just taking care of yourself physically. Building a self-love practice is more of a change of mindset.
When we get caught up in the dualities of the ego, we lose touch of our true self. How are we supposed to love something unconditionally if it is lost? In order to create long-lasting self-love, it is necessary to notice when the ego is betraying you. Dive deep inside and embrace all the parts of you; the darkness just as much as the light. Fall in love with the journey of getting to know yourself, while aiming to constantly be better. Meet yourself where you are, without judgment, but be ready to unlock the next level of your life. There is always more you could be doing for yourself.
I believe in order to really love yourself; you need to be your biggest motivator. You know that you deserve more than what you are accepting from others, but more importantly what you are giving to yourself. When you are so tied up on showing up as who you think you are you will never become who you are meant to be.
The bigger picture of what embodying a self-love practice emphasizes, is the discipline to pay attention to our habits, and rewire our brains to perform as our best self every single day. But just like many things in life, self-love can come in all shapes and sizes. Personify the practice, but don’t lose sight of the little things.
Self-love is taking baths.
Self-love is creating a sacred space.
Self-love is cleaning.
Self-love is being in nature.
Self-love is moving your body.
Self-love is waking up extra early.
Self-love is having alone time.
Self-love is self-discipline.
Self-love is quieting your mind.
Self-love is showing up for you, as you.
Self-love is getting rid of negativity.
Self-love is accepting what is.
Self-love is doing the things that bring you the most joy.
Self-love is aligning the people in your life with your intentions.
Self-love is accepting your dark sides and using them as ways to learn.
Self-love is forgiveness.
Self-love is perseverance.
Remember, we teach people to love us by the way we love ourselves.
Namaste
-Alina xoxo