"Self-Love: What Does That Even Mean?"
This article is written by Sky Corbett-Methot, Yoga to Cope’s Director of Holistic Health. Sky is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, CYA-RYT 500-hour Hatha yoga and meditation instructor, and certified prenatal/postnatal yoga instructor.
Picture by Annie Spratt (@anniespratt)
Love is defined as “an intense feeling of deep affection.” Raise your hand if you have someone or something you feel this way towards? This may include a family member, lover, friend, pet, or even an object! We tend to get emotionally attached to objects too (jewelry, clothing, a special book, etc.), think of a special item that has been forever lost and how that left a stain on your heart.
These emotions towards other’s can be an all consuming tug-a-war on your heart strings. I feel you, I am a passionate person who falls deeply in love with other people.
Yet, I find there is this tendency to hold back when it comes to loving ourselves. We are in our mind and our body for the rest of our lives so why is it we don’t treat ourselves like our own best friend? Why do we as a society feel guilty for indulging in self-care practices, or simply putting ourselves first? Or why is it sometimes we feel awkward or uncomfortable when people ask us questions about ourself… stumbling over the “correct” or “right” response as if we do not truly know ourselves. Perhaps we don’t and this further exemplifies the need to bridge the gap between loving our own self.
Another quick Google search reveals that self-love is defined as “regard for one's own well-being and happiness.” Should we not embrace ourselves whole-heartedly and put our well-being and happiness in high regard? This last year has been “INSERT DESCRIPTIVE WORD HERE,” highlighting how important it is to take care of our physical, mental and emotional being.
This #wellnesswednesday lets explore some questions that will help you connect with yourself, to learn who you are, and how to love YOU.
What is one area of your life you can become more connected to? How can you further facilitate that connection?
What is one thing you plan on doing for YOURSELF today?
What are your strengths, skills, and positive attributes?
If your best friend came to you and said they’re feeling lost, confused, and distressed, what advice would you give them?
Have you surrounded yourself with people who fill you up?
How can you continue to fill up your own cup with light?
Flight attendants always say to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Have you ever stopped to think about why? You cannot help or be there for others if you do not help yourself first. Imagine how much you can love those around you if you loved yourself to your fullest ability first and foremost!
Take a moment to reflect because who you practice to be is who you are. Embrace this individual, and prioritize loving yourself so you have the capacity to fully love other’s.