“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist Monk

How often do you find yourself trying to be what others think you should be? Have you ever felt like you don’t matter, aren’t seen or heard? If you’ve felt like any of these you aren’t alone. Through the years I’ve felt some of this too! It’s taken me many years of being willing to be introspective and dive deep within myself to seek understanding and reclaim my own power of being me. Accepting, owning, and loving me has become a daily adventure! 

How do you feel about being beautiful? Judith Manganiello, Friend, author and founder of A Peace of the Universe recommended a practice many years ago and I still use and recommend it. Take a minute and look in the mirror and say, “I’m beautiful and I love you!” How does it feel? Comfortable or uncomfortable? Do you feel your inner beauty that shines through as you accept yourself? It may take time.  

During this time of being more socially isolated the opportunity for self re-discovery has opened up for those who have been willing to experience more inner reflection and exploration. Rupi Kaur, Author, poet, artist, illustrator, and performer reminds us that, “How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” Like so many things, it all begins with us doesn’t it? I wonder why criticizing is easier than accepting and loving? 

When I first began practicing looking in the mirror I was more focused on what I physically didn’t like about myself and it was very uncomfortable. My focus was more external than internal. Today, I’m more comfortable in my inner world and when I look in the mirror I no longer feel uncomfortable when I say, “I’m beautiful and I love you.” Through the years one of the techniques I have found helpful when negative self-talk begins is to imagine Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio’s conscience and my negative conscience, sitting on my shoulder. Unlike his advice to Pinocchio he never tells me the truth! LOL When this happens I acknowledge what I’m hearing and then I tell Jiminy, “This doesn’t apply to me anymore. Why don’t you go sit on the fireplace hearth?” It works! Then I can feel how much I love and accept me! Does this make sense?

How often do we sabotage ourselves with our words, thoughts, and beliefs? Instead of being so judgmental and critical of yourself how would you feel if you talked to yourself like you loved you? What would change in your world? Isn’t it time to shed the layers of what others may expect of you? Why not be you? After all, there is no one else like you! 

Think about it – Louise Hay, Author and speaker, reminds us that, “You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” For me, it’s felt like shedding tons of baggage. The more I’ve loved and accepted me I’ve become more vulnerable and received more love. I don’t take myself so seriously and I’m able to receive love in deeper ways. Isn’t love at the core for each one of us? We don’t want to lose it do we? You never will. Your essence is Love! Love and accept you and notice how others around you respond.

Wednesday, August 12th, we will offer a channeling experience with Luminus and the Messengers of Light from 2p-3:30p AZ time. This session will be offered via Zoom and recorded. If you are interested in participating or receiving the recording please register at victoriabarna.com. 

In addition, Tuesday, August 18th, we will offer a 1 hour Messengers of Light healing session from 6p-7p AZ time. On Tuesday, August 25th we will offer another channeling experience with Luminus and the Messengers of Light from 2p-3:30p AZ time. These sessions will also be offered via Zoom and  recorded.  you are interested in participating or receiving the recording please register at victoriabarna.com