previous Soul Food thread-1st edition
What is the most important thing or aspect in your realm?
The responses can be many and varied, your spouse, family, friends, members at your house of worship, your job, but what about you? You are the most important part in the whole scheme of things. Have you ever contemplated, what if there was no U?
The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” normally shown around the Christmas Season gives us a glimpse of what could possibly occur when someone is removed from Life. It could be viewed from the perspective that the dramatization of events depicted was for the purpose of film and capturing the attention of the audience, or was it?
Each and everyone one of us is essential to the Universe and plays a very significant part in this journey called Life. Consider for a moment that Life as we know it is a beautiful tapestry filled with every color imaginable tightly woven together creating something amazingly beautiful.
In as much as we are all individuals, our relationship with ourselves is more important than the relationship we have with others. It all begins with you. There is a saying “Hurt people, hurt people” by Will Bowen, this is so poignantly true. So what about individuals that are filled with love? They are free to spread that glorious feeling near, and far, like a magical butterfly, what ever they do and what ever they say love flows from them in wonderful ways. Once you accept the depth of this responsibility, you can freely lavish respect, love, acceptance, forgiveness, tolerance and grace onto yourself and everybody.
I have selected a song to assist in putting you in the mood, so to speak for this part of our journey together as we continue on this wonderful journey of nurturing our Soul. Unwritten
Some of the phrasing that is used in the lyrics of the song speak to my soul,
“Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Release your inhibitions Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in.” Natasha Bedingfield
Every magnificent moment of Life is to be savored, enjoyed and lived to the fullest extent. This can only be done when we are totally free, defined by a place of love and appreciation. That is when the true magic occurs.
Once you are totally open and allow your love to freely flow seemingly mundane tasks take on a special meaning of joy. All at once you are transported to a new realm, a state of love where no matter what you do, you know you are doing it for you. Something as simple as washing the dishes has a whole new meaning. It becomes an act of love, of caring for yourself. You are the MVPU the most valued player in the universe. There is only one you, no one else has your talents, gifts, quirks, idiosyncrasies, sense of humor or perspective on this journey.
There is a quote by Dr. Phil, “We teach others how to treat us”.
I have found this concept to be both empowering and poignant.
When we truly love ourselves we have a profound sense of value and with it comes self-respect.
When one truly appreciates the magnificent creature they are, then boundaries can be established in terms of what is acceptable behavior.
I will use myself for an example, my manner is calm, gentle, easy going and peaceful. I am soft spoken. When I come in contact with individuals who are loud or use what I view to be an inappropriate tone when speaking to me, instead of withdrawing or sulking, I am comfortable enough in my own skin to be able to address them respectfully. I ask that they not use that tone when speaking or addressing me as it is not appreciated. By the same token, if I find their use of language to be coarse, offensive or abrasive, I will again respectfully communicate my displeasure. If the action continues without any modification,
I will respectfully but firmly state “this conversation is being discontinued”.
My philosophy is, all opinions matter and should be valued. We are all capable of respectfully disagreeing. When a disagreement occurs, I simply let it be. There is no need for exercising a “battle of wills” or having an argument, I find this type of action to be counterproductive. Conditions can often escalate to the point where self control is lost. When you set boundaries for yourself and others you will find it is often appreciated and reciprocated. By setting boundaries, mutual respect, balance and harmony can then be achieved.
When you lavish love and affection on yourself it is as if you can hear your spirit sing, the feeling that is generated is heavenly. These actions of love open the door so that loves seems to surround you flowing freely into your life and those you come in contact with, unleashing a positive flow of energy which can not help but return right back to you.
There is a quote that resonates with me “charity begins at home and spreads abroad.” by Sir Thomas Browne. When you are able to freely love and respect yourself, it becomes natural for you to share that same love and respect with others. Envision a world in which we all love ourselves freely and easy like a gentle breeze. Then a wave of positive energy can surge throughout our world as powerful as the oceans that comprise the sea. A wave of love passing from one to another regardless of race, creed or color our genuine love of self translates to a general love for humanity.
Self Love is the highest form of nurturing ones spirit.
Take a moment and give yourself a long look in the mirror, smile and give yourself a wink. Your presence is just breath taking. Tell yourself how wonderful you are and how much in love you are. Share all the wonderful things you love best about yourself. Most importantly, forgive yourself for disappointments. Feel the love, acceptance and joy from within from the emotional release. Treat yourself to Love.
One of the ways I express love to myself is by making time just for me. In the evening, I make a point of taking time to reflect on the wonderful things that have occurred or people I have met during the course of the day.
I light scented candles, jasmine and sandalwood are some of my favorites. Often I savor a cup of herbal tea, chamomile for relaxation, peppermint, Constant Comment or ginseng, I indulge because those are things that I love doing especially for me.
I enjoy reading and often read several books at the same time, so I alternate which one I will devote some of my time. Followed up by a therapeutic detox bath or a relaxing bubble bath. Before I go to slumber land I write in my gratitude journal all the blessings that I have received and Thank the Universe for a wonderful day. I then lie down and in “my minds eye” I review/acknowledge the events and smile, expressing gratitude all the while. These are some of the things that make my spirit glad.
How about you?
What are some of the ways you show love to yourself?
Can you feel a sense of joy and immense satisfaction as if you know you have arrived at a wonderful destination?
Do others around you seem to pick up on your love as if you are wearing a new fragrance and gravitate towards you?