Holistic Health by Lisa DeFosse

During spring, we anticipate new beginnings.  We open windows and spring clean our homes and yards.  Most of us don’t think about spring cleaning our energy systems or our relationships, but this is a perfect opportunity to address these through an exercise in self-love.  

On an energetic level, we are all connected to each other and to the Divine, God or whatever you choose to call it.  Sometimes, we give too much of ourselves and don’t give enough to ourselves.  To truly express ourselves with the spirit of love, we need to first learn to love ourselves.  Americans struggle with the concept of self-love, confusing it with arrogance or selfishness.  Love your neighbor as you love yourself does not mean to love your neighbor more than yourself.  We are all meant to shine and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same.  

The four things that will impede your progress toward self-love are:  criticism, fear, guilt and resentment.  It is easy to blame others for these behaviors, but then we remain victims.  Every day we are given a new opportunity to create a powerful and positive future.  I want to give you a couple techniques to shed the old negative self-talk and dawn a new life of positivity and pure love.

First, I want you to make a list of all the things you like about yourself.  I know, it is hard, but you can do it.  Secondly, I want you to exercise forgiveness. Forgiveness is about letting go of the bitterness, anger and resentment within.  Think about someone who has hurt you, sit quietly and repeat these words, “I forgive you now and forever and on all levels”.  Do this for all the people who have wronged you.  It will clear out a space in your heart and make space for more love.  You will find the more you give love to yourself, the more you will be able to emanate pure love to others and spring will truly feel like a new beginning for your soul.  

Lisa DeFosse is a licensed massage therapist and Reiki master, who practices in Windham. She can be reached at columnist@TheWindhamEagle.com.