Love Yourself a Little! 🥰
4 Tools to Cultivate Self-Love and Compassion when You’re Feeling Low
I haven’t been feeling the greatest lately…
I began to notice the shift a few weeks ago—gradually, not all at once—when the motivation to write and create started to dwindle a little, and I started to find myself complaining more often than I was grateful.
The start of the year has been a bit more challenging and uncomfortable than I expected and, even though I am starting to feel more grounded and aligned again, it has been rough over here for a minute.
The air is thick with talks of love—often directed at others— and I want to shift the narrative a bit towards the most enduring relationship you'll ever have; the one with yourself.
The quiet power of cultivating self-compassion is often overlooked.
I know, I know… Love yourself is super cliche. Yet, the more I practice self-love in its many forms, the more resounding its truth becomes.
Growing up, the concept of self-love wasn’t exactly modeled around me.
I rarely saw my mom or dad celebrate any of their accomplishments, which I am sure were many; I didn’t see them go get a massage, or take a long bath at the end of the day and listen to their favorite music.
I wonder how it was for you…
I learned that we’re reprimanded when we don’t behave well (whateverthefuck that means)or when we fail, and when we succeed or do things as expected, it is often met with mere indifference.
The emphasis is always on the negative, not the positive.
Perhaps that’s why it’s a struggle to be gentle with myself during the lows, or when life doesn't flow smoothly.
It has taken years to learn how I like to celebrate my accomplishments and love myself when I feel like I am soaring high above, so imagine how hard it has been to love myself when I feel like I am failing…
There was a time when my self-criticism was so intense, it led to illness, and that’s when I knew something had to change.
I’m slowly learning how to love and care for myself even more when shit gets rough.
I needed small, basic tools that I can use even when I feel so crappy that self-sabotage seems like a better option.
4 Simple Practices to Lift and Love Yourself Up
Here are 4 easy tools you can explore and practice, that I find very useful when in need of a little self-love and compassion:
Hug yourself: it may seem silly, but have you given yourself a nice long hug, lately? Do it right now… Take a deep breath in… and out… And if it feels weird, do it again, and for a little longer. The physical sensation of a hug can release oxytocin, known as the 'cuddle hormone,' which can help reduce stress and create a sense of calm.
Go for a stroll: If possible, get out in nature; it has an innate power to heal and bring peace. A little time outdoors can help clear your mind, ground your thoughts, and reconnect you with the earth's rhythm. Personally, I go for a walk daily, whether around my yard if I’m in the US, or around the city if I’m in Barcelona. It always helps!
Practice self-care: Whatever that means to you; whether it’s taking a bath, giving yourself half an hour to read a book, calling a friend and reconnecting, or listening to music you love. Focus on doing something just for you.
Prioritize rest: Take a moment; pause. Observe what is really going on within you and around you that is keeping you from getting in the flow again.
Rest!
Maybe it’s streaming movies type rest, but I prefer restorative, nourishing rest; like a relaxing yin yoga class, a weekend without social networks, or a guided meditation with affirmations to help you release the day, like this one I created just for you!
In the words of
:Be you, love you. All ways, always.
Finding self-love isn’t always easy, especially when things don’t go as planned or you feel low.
Loving yourself is a necessary practice, though: for the tough days and the good ones, too. It takes paying attention and making nurturing choices even when the world seems to be against you.
It requires putting yourself first, and meeting your own needs before going out into the world.
I am teaching a slow-flow class dedicated to celebrating love, live on EkhartYoga today at 1 pm CET (7 am EST). Register here!
I hope that today and every day you find a moment to do an act of self-love, no matter how small.
Until we meet again, remember to pause often, breathe deeply, and stay kind - especially to yourself.
Much love,
I appreciate you being here! ✨🙏🏾
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