SELF LOVE | SELF CARE

February 04, 2018

SELF LOVE | SELF CARE
Here at Kaivalyadhama I had a very interesting conversation with another participant doing panchkarma. This woman was from Ireland. I know, there is a magnet between me and anything Irish.

First I should explain panchakarma as I knew very little of it before I came. Panchakarma is the ultimate mind-body healing experience for detoxifying the body, strengthening the immune system, and restoring balance and well-being. It is one the most effective healing modality in Ayurvedic Medicine. It promotes Detoxification and Rejuvenation.

Rachel was finishing her couple of weeks here. Upon her final consult, the doctor had suggested that when she returns home she continue applying warm oil to her body for 20 minutes and then have a shower without soap. She said she could instantly hear her mother and sister talking critically, “Oh, she really loves herself doesn’t she.” Self love being seriously frowned upon as a characteristic. Being raised catholic, I knew this very well.

This comment really sparked something in me. I’ve never thought of how unhealthy an attitude it can be. Can you relate to this?

If the object of life is to be of service to others, which I totally believe, it must be founded on solid ground. If we are operating from a unhealthy half full tank, we are not going to be able to serve anyone.

When a flight attendant is demonstrating in case of an emergency to put your mask on first before you assist another, we totally understand the logic. When it comes to self care and self love we seem to touch a whole different set of principles.

If we know happiness, feel healthy and strong then that is what we’re going to transfer to others. Showing someone by being a living example is more powerful than any other source of teaching. Right?

I always believed that the most important love affair you can develop in life is the one with yourself. Whatever you would like to attract in your partner, become it. As whatever you are is what will be mirrored back. I’m not talking about self indulgence. Self care and self love have both integrity and humility and both require a lot of listening.

Self care is a practice and how we view everything we do and mostly how we think will begin to become part of this practice. Self love is standing in your truth when others think you’re crazy. Practicing self compassion is critical to self care and not always the easiest. I remember hearing the Dalai Lama share during one discourse “any compassion that is given to another that is not firmly planted in compassion for the self, is not compassion.”

Self-love includes self-care, but self-care alone only addresses the physical. Self-love is about inclusion of the whole person – the mind, body and Spirit.  

Self-love is about paying attention to your intuition and trusting yourself enough to taking action on it. Self care is about being fully present with trust and love for all that arises.

 


Today I'd love you to have the most nurturing love affair you can imagine. It starts with you and everyone else will benefit, even if you are the only one you see today.


With love from India,

Gisele

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