How To Do Self Love (A Series)

How to Practice Self-Love: A Guide to Cultivating Compassion and Care

Self-love isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a foundational practice that influences our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It involves caring for ourselves, honoring our needs, and nurturing our inner worth. Here’s how you can begin cultivating deeper self-love, with scripting prompts and somatic exercises to help you along the way.

1. Start with Self-Acknowledgment

The first step in self-love is acknowledging and appreciating who you are. We often overlook our own strengths and achievements, so taking a moment to reflect can be powerful.

Journal Prompt:

• Write down three things you love about yourself today. These can be physical features, qualities, or actions you’ve taken recently.

• Write a letter to yourself introducing yourself, acknowledging your best traits and your super-powers that were "once" considered flaws. Be kind and affirming in your language and proud and grateful in your attitude and mood.

2. Practice Mindful Self-Care

Taking care of your body is a vital part of self-love. Engage in activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy, whether that’s a bath, a walk in nature, or simply resting.

Somatic Exercise:

• Take a few minutes to close your eyes and tune into your body. Start at your feet and slowly move up, noticing any tension or areas of discomfort.

• Gently breathe into those areas, imagining your breath as a soft wave, releasing any tension as you exhale. This is a simple, grounding way to nurture your body.

3. Embrace Compassionate Self-Talk

How we talk to ourselves matters. Replace negative or critical thoughts with compassionate, affirming statements that support your well-being.

Journal Prompt:

• Write down one negative thought you often have about yourself. Whose voice is it or where did the messaging behind the belief come from. Now, rewrite it with a more compassionate, understanding perspective. For example, if you think, "I'm not good enough," Whose voice is it, and where did you get the message or belief that you're not good enough. Then reframe it to "I am doing my best, and that’s enough." with the loving energy you would for your child or best friend.

4. Create Boundaries with Love

Setting healthy boundaries is an important act of self-love. It shows that you respect yourself and your needs, and it creates space for healthier relationships.

Somatic Exercise:

• Stand tall and take a deep breath. As you exhale, imagine a protective energy field surrounding you.

• Visualize this energy field extending to a safe distance around your body, and feel the sense of personal space. Practice mentally reinforcing this boundary when interacting with others, especially in situations where you need to say "no" or assert your needs.

5. Celebrate Your Wins

It’s easy to be hard on ourselves when we fall short of expectations, but self-love includes celebrating our progress, big or small.

Journal Prompt:

• Reflect on the past week and write down three things you’ve accomplished, no matter how small they may seem. Allow yourself to feel proud of these moments of growth.

Conclusion

Self-love is an ongoing practice that can transform the way you relate to yourself and others. By embracing mindful self-care, compassionate self-talk, and setting healthy boundaries, you’ll start to build a deeper connection with yourself. Remember, the more you nurture your own well-being, the more you’ll be able to show up in the world with love and confidence.