7 Practices for Radical Self Love

Self love can be such a cliche topic. It's important but isn't it selfish?

It's hard to fill from an empty cup. This is why it's so important to have some kind of self love rituals so you can restore your balance and equanimity. With Valentine's Day fast approaching don't forget about the most important person in your life- YOU! 

Here are some practices that can help you take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

1) Call in Community.

No one is an island. Everyone needs a community around them. It doesn't have to be huge but all of us need friends, confidantes, lovers and partners who can help support us. It doesn't have to be in any particular order. However it's important to have some key people in your life who love and support you no matter what. Who are those people for you? Have you been open and honest about your needs for support? It can be so easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of life that you forget to slow down and ask for support. 

Do an honest evaluation. Do you need to call in some support? Are you open to taking action? I hope so. Having some extra support when you need it most will help you shoulder whatever is going on in your life.

2. Make a "What I Love About Me" List

It's so easy to criticize yourself. I find many women, myself included, have a thousand silent put downs towards ourselves. I caught myself the other day in this negative thought spiral about myself. I stopped when I noticed it and literally changed the thoughts in my head. Your turn.

What do you love about yourself? Once you start writing down all the things you love about yourself it's going to be much easier to practice self love. Read your "What I Love About Me" list. You can do this out loud or silently. It'll be more powerful if you read it out loud. Really allow yourself to experience the joy and love you have for yourself. This is something so few of us are taught and yet is so important to actually do well in life. 

3. Your Body is Your Greatest Asset.

Most people treat their body like an after thought putting things into their body that barely registers as food. However if you start to treat your body like a sacred vessel, a gift from the Divine you'll actually start to feel better in your body. Putting high quality nutrient dense foods in your body will help you feel better, look better and give you more energy and vitality. That's a win on all counts!

4. Clear Clutter 

We all have stuff. It can accumulate over time without you even really noticing. Take some time to go through your things and get rid of anything you haven't used in several months. Clothes, books, kitchen utensils, furniture, exercise equipment- anything you're not using. You can donate whatever is useable and recycle the rest. You'll feel so much better getting rid of clutter. Plus by making physical space in your life you'll have new experiences find you when you least expect it. 

5. Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Everyone gets into the habit of comparing their life with their friends. Except now with social media we're literally seeing the lives of thousands upon thousands of people. This isn't healthy or helpful. Use social media as a tool. But drop the habit of comparing your life with everyone else's highlight reel. This will help you find much more joy in your own life. 

6. Get Spiritual.

Have practices in your life that help you connect to the Divine. As Deepak Chopra says- "We're spiritual beings having a human experience." All of us forget this, ALOT. Having daily practices that connect you to Spirit will help you take yourself and life less seriously. This will do wonders for your personal self worth and self esteem.  Meditation and prayer are two ways to connect with the Divine. Get into the habit of doing this daily and you'll feel a shift within. 

7. Learn to Let Go.

Past hurts, traumas, relationships and missteps can weigh heavy on our heart. This is normal. However learning to let go and forgiving yourself will do wonders for your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Releasing the people and things that weigh you down will help you vibrate much higher. A ritual I love to do is write down everything I'm ready to let go of. Then I go out into my backyard, say a prayer and light my list on fire. (Please do this safely if you're using fire). Then I come back into my home and sage my entire house. I always feel better after I do this. Depending on what you're working to release you can do this ritual weekly, monthly or yearly. 

I hope you're able to bring some of these practices into your life. I do some of these daily and others as needed. Find ways to soothe your soul and fill up your cup. If you're wanting support and help in creating these habits contact me. I love helping clients create their wellness toolbox. Until next time, be well.

Photo by Jez Timms