Are you able to say, “I love you.” to yourself, and mean it?
I was at my women’s group last night and one of the exercise we did was gently whisper, “I Love You” to ourselves. It was as profound for each of us as it was different.
I noticed, much to my surprise, that this task was difficult for me at first. I became aware that there are still places in my heart that are afraid to open fully to love, that don’t feel worthy of it. It was a great way for me to get in touch, not only with the part of myself that needs more love and is afraid to say “Yes!” to it, but also the greater part of myself that is able to give it. After continuing the practice at home later in the evening, I was able to reach a state of awareness that opened to the Divine, who was saying, “I Love You” to all of me.
When you sit quietly with the intention of giving love to yourself, what is your reaction? Do you open immediately and feel the warmth of the love moving through you or do you find that you aren’t able to receive the love so easily? What do you notice in your body as you take those words deeper into your heart? What inner chatter do you begin to hear?
Whatever your experience, honor it. Be honest with yourself and if find you are having a hard time opening to the love you are offering yourself (or the love others give), reach out and share it with someone you trust. The simple act of acknowledging the difficulty of opening to love will allow it to move, change and heal.
If you aren’t in a position to ask for help from a trusted friend or partner, say a sincere prayer, asking God to give love to your heart and the places inside you that are unable to receive the love you are giving yourself. Be gentle with yourself and do something kind for yourself or another, to remember there is love available and you and that you do have access to it, even if there are places that resist receiving it.
If you happen to be in a state where the love is flowing freely, open yourself to it, allowing it to fill you with warmth and peace. Be grateful and once you are full, share it with someone you know who needs it, as this will keep the love flowing freely in you and will open the same flow in others. The more you give, the more you will have.
If you haven’t yet opened from self love and the love you feel for and from others, to Divine Love, try opening more deeply to this. Ask God to show you His love for you and then learn to swim in that river.
No matter what state you are in this moment, try not to judge it, and know that whatever you are feeling in this moment is the perfect place for you to be. Honor it, face it and walk with it, whatever that may be.
My prayer for you:
Dear God I pray that you are able to open our hearts to the love you have intended for our lives. I ask you to help us to feel completely safe, in giving and receiving Your love and the love that comes from our families, friends and self. Help us to be gentle with ourselves and one another and to be at peace with whatever you make for our lives. Amin.