The Importance of Self-Love

ZING Admin • May 8, 2024

The Importance of Self-Love

A black and white drawing of a woman with the words self-respect self-worth and self-love all start with self.

Before I get into this month’s theme—”The Process of Dying: Biological, Psychological, and Sociocultural Aspects”—I want to take a moment to discuss the importance of self-love. I was recently inspired by a conversation about what we wish most for our children. For me, it’s the hope that they learn to love themselves unconditionally. After all, every positive change we seek in the world and in our lives begins with this foundational act of self-love. So, before exploring the complexities of dying, let’s consider today how to live more fully through loving ourselves.


The Power of Self-Love


A ‘happy’ life—though the term is imperfect—springs from the well of self-love. To fully love others and make meaningful contributions to the world, we must first establish a strong foundation of self-love.


Judgement Free Zone


The other side of this coin is the absence of self-judgment. Criticizing ourselves, especially when we err, is counterproductive. Instead, label your actions as either helpful or unhelpful, skillful or unskillful. Apologize and make amends if necessary, learn from the experience, and move on. Being mindful in this way prepares us for making better choices in similar future situations.


Ahimsa: A Cornerstone of Self-Love


In yoga philosophy, the term ‘Ahimsa’ means ‘non-violence.’ It’s one of the yamas, or ethical guidelines, and extends to not just physical non-violence, but also emotional and psychological non-violence toward oneself. At the yoga studio where I teach, I’m building my classes around the concept of ahimsa this month, especially the aspect of non-violence towards oneself.


Practice Offering: Cultivating Self-Love


To help you get started on your self-love journey, here’s a simple mindfulness practice:

  1. Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
  2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
  3. Bring to mind a quality you admire in yourself.
  4. Repeat the phrase, “I love and appreciate myself for [quality]” three times.
  5. Take a few more deep breaths and open your eyes.
    Make this a daily practice, and you’ll likely start feeling a deeper sense of love and appreciation for yourself.


The Month Ahead


Coming up, we’ll be delving into various facets of the dying process, divided into four weekly themes:

  • Week 1: Biological Aspects of Dying
  • Week 2: Psychological Aspects of Dying
  • Week 3: Sociocultural Aspects of Dying
  • Week 4: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Dying

As we explore these topics, remember that a solid foundation of self-love is crucial for facing the complexities of life, including mortality. Stay tuned for detailed discussions in the coming weeks.

A group of people sitting at a table with lit candles

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Kübler-Ross and the 5 Stages of Grief

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Cultural Perspectives on Death

By ZING Admin • May 8, 2024
Death is a universal experience, but the ways in which we deal with it can vary widely from culture to culture. This blog aims to shed light on some unique perspectives on death from different cultures around the world.