Self-Love with a Twist

As we approach Valentine's Day, culture directs us to focus on those who hold a special place in our hearts.  With flowers, chocolates, and candlelight dinners, we devote ourselves to nurturing relationships.

This year, I invite you to expand the narrative to include a very important person in your life: YOU.

Turn your devotion of time, energy, and appreciation inward.  

Feel your emotions.  Listen to your body.  Say kind words to yourself.  

Your state of health depends on it!  

There are many misconceptions about Self-Love.

Many of us confuse self-love with self-care activities.  We think that giving ourselves the gift of a manicure, relaxation time with a book, going on a vacation, or purchasing something nice for ourselves is sufficient.

Many of us feel guilty about the idea of self-love.  Is it selfish to focus on ourselves?  When we turn inward, does it take away from others?  Am I worthy of this attention? 

Recently I enjoyed a podcast interview of Matt Kahn on the topic of Self-Love.  You are going to love it.  

Matt is a spiritual teacher, intuitive healer, and truly heart-centered being.  His description of Self-Love is unlike anything I have heard before: simple, clear, actionable.  

Matt Kahn defines self-love in a unique way.  

Self-Love is when you feel Safe within yourself.  

We often look outside of ourselves for safety.  We feel unsafe when others challenge us, don't understand our viewpoint, don't appreciate what we have done.  We crave that external validation and morph our energy to earn it.

Matt tells us that Self-Love is when you give yourself that gift of validation; when you truly see and hear yourself; when you are gentle and compassionate with yourself.  When we give ourselves what we need on the inside, when we provide a safe space to be ourselves, it is the deepest expression of love. 

How do we cultivate this internal compassion?  

Matt gives us techniques throughout this interactive podcast to dissolve anxiety and find compassion for ourselves.

• He walks us through a powerful breathing practice that brings awareness to the body.

• Matt coaches us to use positive self-talk to help us feel seen and validated.

• He defines worthiness in terms of how we choose to vibrate energetically in the world.

• Matt offers guidance on how to interact with difficult situations in a way that honors ourselves.

When we feel safe, we are aware of our inner needs.  When we are aware, we validate and process our feelings.  This is the ultimate state of self-love.

Please take a listen.  Try his techniques.  Breathe.  

Witness the feelings that come up.  

Take the time to be with You.  

Observe the unfolding in your life...

May you truly Love Yourself.  You deserve it.  And YOUR internal efforts enrich all of us.