1.09.2013

Learning to Love Myself



I'm taking a tip from my cat Matisse, whom you see above in his blue period, and I'm learning to love myself.....again. I practice this, but it doesn't seem to stick for very long. It's easy to forget, when I get caught up in the tasks and responsibilities of everyday life, that I need to love myself even while doing all those seemingly ordinary things. And it can sound pretty silly at times, the idea that I need to practice loving myself. After all, who am I to think it's okay to love myself? Or to even think about it. Nobody told me to do that when I was growing up.  In fact, it was discouraged. Loving myself would make me become conceited, spoiled, and a snob with a swelled head and a big ego. Our culture tells us these things.  Unfortunately, I listened to the discouraging voices that had made a home in my head and I learned to doubt and berate myself whenever the opportunity arose.  

I know better now, but it's hard to change thought patterns that are very entrenched in the mind. Awareness is the key.  It is most easily developed through practices such as meditation, contemplation, prayer, yoga, or reading spiritual works. Through awareness, or being the Witness, it is possible to become an observer of the thoughts in the mind that are not beneficial to our happiness or growth as a human and spiritual being. This very witnessing of the mind is what can change negative habitual thinking into a more positive and uplifting experience.  It is a process, and not accomplished overnight, but the practice can create a transformation in every aspect of our lives. With the positive change in our thoughts comes a positive change in our feeling.  Our positive feeling has the capacity to hold love more fully than negative feeling.  The kind of love that I am talking about is not that which we get from circumstances outside of ourselves.  It comes welling up freely from within. 
  

16 comments:

  1. Beautifully written. Paradigm shifts -- gotta love 'em!

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  2. what a wonderful post...so very true..love to keep those thoughts in check..I love the saying..it's just as easy to think good thoughts as bad thoughts...it helps me!!! love you sweetie pie...you are such a beautiful soul

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  3. What a Dear you are Miss e'Layne.I love you so so so much!! That's a great saying. I shall remember that. Miss you!!

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  4. HI Dana L and Sue M.

    Thank you for visiting and commenting. It means a so much to know that you are reading my blog!

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  5. Wonder thinking about this. Nice sharing for everybody. Like it very much. Paradigm Shifts...

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  6. Thank you, Henry Catherine, for visiting Art for the Spirit, and for your comment. I am happy that you found this post thought provoking, and that you joined in the discussion.

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  7. Sometimes daily distractions do really get in the way. Lovely inspiration! Your cat Matisse is adorable too. :)

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    1. Hi Jennifer, Thanks for checking out my blog and for commenting! I'm making some changes since taking the class with Holly. I'm going to go check out today's lessons. I'm loving how the course is packed with practical information and advice. I'm impressed with the design of your blog. It looks beautiful!

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  8. Hello Cindy,
    Your post really resonated with me. I agree that "awareness is key". Painting is one way that I connect with myself and find this. I am in the blog boss class with you and wanted to say hello. Cheery Smiles your way...Laura

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  9. Hi Cindy,
    I'm one of your Blog Boss classmates, just stopping by to meet you and see your blog. I love your art! Your blog is beautiful, too. It's really great to meet so many talented people in our class.

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    1. Hi Mitzi!

      Thank you for your comment. I made a visit to your blog. I love your photo and your adorable dogs! I hope you are enjoying the class. I'm learning quite a bit and enjoying the much needed pep talks. I'll look for you in class.

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  10. I like the new look! This post has a wonderful message.

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    1. Hi Elizabeth! I'm so happy that you stopped by. You are always welcome.

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  11. Hi Cindy, I found your blog on Kelly Rae's Possibilitarian post. I've just followed your Facebook page, and followed a couple of your boards on Pinterest. I love your blue cat (posted on my birthday). You can find me on Facebook or Pinterest. Thanks, Valerie

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    1. Hi Valerie!

      I'm really glad that you found me! I'm going to check out your sites right now. Thank you for your comment on my blue cat, Matisse.

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