Who doesn't love June! It's Summer and its time to enjoy it! I am also really excited about it because it happens to be birthday month!
Most people don't seem to look forward to their birthday, as it has an association with aging. Unfortunately our society doesn't emphasize the beauty that comes with aging, rather it focuses on many of the negative qualities.
I've worked through some of those taboos, and in the last couple years, I look forward to birthdays, and aging with grace!
Although I have to admit, the journey to self love and happiness doesn't come easy. Like a tree or plant, one has to cultivate loving and caring energy ( water and sunlight) constantly, for the plant to grow to its fullest potential. Humans and animals are no different. We require a lot of attention and love. Not only do we have physical needs, but we have to take care of our mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Many of us might even feel like if we emphasize too much energy on ourselves, that we are selfish. That is not true. Even Ghandi has said that if we want to see a change in the world , we must first see the changes within ourselves. If we want more peace and love between warring countries and people, then we have to find that love within ourselves first. That requires work and effort.
Here are some of the things that have helped me to cultivate more love for myself. Some of these things I have learned from some of my wiser and older friends, Yogic and Ayurvedic Philosophy, and from experiencing and making mistakes:
*First, and most importantly acknowledge that you deserve to be happy! You come first!
* Treat your body well! It's our only vehicle on this earth, unlike cars when they get old, we can't just get a new one!!! When we see our bodies as sacred, we treat it with respect.
Eat healthy and cook your self home cooked meals, get a massage, do what you love to do without feeling guilty and indulge ( mindfully)!!
*Positive affirmations!!! Louise Hayes has been a great inspiration in that aspect of my life. Post affirmations on the fridge, in a pot and pick one each day, and they will enliven and inspire you! I've also learned that sometimes you gotta fake it, till you make it!!! ( and it works!)
*Take care of your mind!!! Sometimes we get so caught "up" in there that we forget our true nature that isn't defined by all the trauma and drama in our lives. Yogic practices are great to Self-Realization, and so is seeing a therapist if you need to. So what resonates with you, and do it now! Our mental and emotional health is just as important as our physical health. Nowadays there are many studies being done that link the physiological and metaphysical connections with body and mind.
*MEDITATION!!! Is medicine for the mind!! It gets us to step out of all the drama and trauma that we live through, and to become the "witness". It helps us to see the bigger picture and not to get so caught up in the self(ego) and to remember that we are something far greater!
*Accepting that change is a major theme in our lives and that it's the only thing that doesn't ever really change. When we can do that, this helps to ease our life and helps us to love and accept ourselves and life situations for what they are and not for what they can be.
I hope that some of these things can guide you through your journey to self love, as much as it has for me.
I will be 30 this year, and I am ready to face any challenges or fears that may come across my path, with love, courage, and unwaivering faith!!!
See you all soon!!!!
