The East Community Guide - Gainesville, FL oct 2017 the east take 2 | Page 4

7 Steps To Loving Yourself.
Looking in the mirror, all of us see too many
flaws and remember too many past wounds
and failings to love ourselves without also
putting a limit on that love.
When all limitations are left behind, love
becomes unconditional. You feel that it
emerges from a spiritual source inside
yourself. This is more than a feeling; you've
tapped into a universal aspect of Being. No
longer do you have a personal stake in the
people you love. Pure compassion is
possible now and a sense of belonging to
the human family. Relationships involve no
struggle or contending needs and wants.
Love becomes a self-sufficient state of
fulfillment.
Here’s’ a few common elements without
religious overlay.
Step 1: Making contact with your inner self
This implies paying more attention to self-care. Through meditation, self-reflection or
contemplation, and the experience of quiet at least a few minutes every day, you make
contact with your inner world. You learn to appreciate and enjoy it.
Step 2: Honestly facing your inner obstacles and resistance
Most people don't like to face their weaknesses and flaws because they judge against
them. But you are only human, and you will find that your sense of insecurity and
anxiety represents feelings from the past that can be healed. In fact, they want to be
released if you will give them a chance. The first step in healing is to look inside and let
the process of releasing begin. Healing can proceed along many avenues, from therapy
and support groups to energy work, massage, mind-body programs and various
Eastern medical approaches.
Step 3: Dealing with old wounds
One could also call this advanced healing. As old residues of negative emotions are
released, you find that you are stuck with resentments, hurts and scars that must be
dealt with. Beneath the scar, such wounds feel very fresh. It takes help from someone
else who understands the situation to go into these dark places—it could be a close
friend, mentor, confidant, priest or therapist. No one can do this work alone, I feel, but
I'm not underlining any sense of danger or fear. The work can be done safely, without
anxiety, and once you start, there's a tremendous sense of exhilaration, even triumph in
the process. Just find someone who has walked the path successfully and sympathizes
with you fully.
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