For Love of Yourself

For Love of Yourself

This is the theme of our classes this term as we embrace the wintertime for going within and practicing some self loving.

Whether you are in a yoga or meditation class this term, use this time to really be present and honour the time you are making for yourself.  See if you can let go of the labels, roles, tasks, demands that might be part of your life and come into the class with a sense of inner inquiry.

I’ve been using this winter to reflect upon my own self care and realised that it is something I am not good at!  It doesn’t come naturally to me to put myself first.  Therefore I am practicing the art of extreme self care as I explore what nourishes me, what makes my heart sing and bringing these things into my life, into my weekly schedule as being the most important for me to prioritise.

As I go further within and listen deeply I discover that I have been pushing aside my intuition, that voice inside that really knows what I need.  I’ve now made an agreement with myself to check in, everyday, and ask the question; “What have I done today that honours the highest part of me?”.  By asking the question I am more aware and find that my days are taking on more balance, and that even on days that may be a little busy, I am taking time to breathe and be more present to the magic of the moment. To really appreciate what nature gives us each and everyday if we take the time to notice.

When I was planning this terms classes I discovered this poem by Charlie Chaplin and I’m sharing a verse each week at the end of the class.  Here is the poem for you to enjoy, embrace and discover where you may be able to improve on your self love.

It is said that on the day he turned 70, Charlie Chaplin wrote a wonderful poem.  As he looked back on his life, he discovered that self-love puts everything in a different perspective, and makes life lighter and more beautiful.

For love of yourself

As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth.  Today, I know, this is “Authenticity”.

As I began to love myself I understood how much it can offend somebody if I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me.  Today I call it “Respect”.

As I began to love myself I stopped craving for a different life, and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.  Today I call it “Maturity”.

As I began to love myself I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens at the exact right moment.  So I could be calm.  Today I call it Self-Confidence”.

As I began to love myself  I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future.  Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm.  Today I call it “Simplicity”.

As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself.  At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism.  Today I know it as “Love of Oneself”.

As I began to love myself I quit trying to always be right, and ever since, I was wrong less of the time.  Today I discovered that is “Modesty”.

As I began to love myself I refused to go on living in the past and worrying about the future.  Now, I only live for the moment, where everything is happening.  Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “Fulfillment”.

As I began to love myself I recognised that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick.  But as I connected it to my heart, my mind became a valuable ally.  Today I call this connection “Wisdom of the Heart”.

As we begin to love ourselves we no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with ourselves or others.  Even stars collide, and out of their crashing, new worlds are born.  Today I know that is “LIFE”!

With love and blessings for you to explore some extreme self care this winter.

Namaste

Sarah