In a world that constantly barrages us with reminders of all that is wrong, it is essential we take hold of what is good in each of our lives. That spark of Joy can illuminate the heart and mind, and any light we raise within and in the world, is so essential. When you allow yourself to recognize what makes you happy you give back to yourself.
One of the easiest ways to give back to oneself is ironically difficult for many people: it is the practice of thanking yourself, for expressing and experiencing a sense of gratitude of The Self. We’ve been taught that to do so is extremely Egoic, but the practice of acknowledging one’s self with gratitude is far from that. A person is not saying “I am better than so and so” or “that I matter more”, it is merely self acknowledgment.
My first introduction to this concept was by an aunt who taught cosmetology. During one of her lectures, she would encourage her students to start their day by looking at their reflections in the mirror and saying “Hello.” When you became more comfortable and confident, then you were to take it further by saying “I love you.” As a teen I silently scoffed at this idea and with limited thinking thought it only applied to people who wanted to work in the beauty industry.
At some point, I did try it as a young adult and oh my goodness was the first try really uncomfortable! I fidgeted, had trouble smiling at myself, felt foolish, and it took me a while before I could make direct eye contact with myself. But…when I finally did I saw something therein that was more than my eye color, eyelashes …..me. The essence of me. As I held onto my gaze, looking inward, I began to cry. Not out of shame or sadness but simply out of awe.
Later, when I began practicing yoga, I crossed another threshold of self recognition. At the end of the class, the instructor said, “With your palms together, head bowed to your heart, take a moment to thank yourself for showing up to your mat today.” I found myself stunned. I was to thank myself for just showing up?
Absolutely. My answer today, even to myself, is to remember to acknowledge and appreciate all the ways we each show up whether it is for someone, to an event, to work. We forget the mere act of us showing up is amazing! To this, Spirit recently said:
“You forget the beauty and value of You. The sheer act and fact of you showing up is a value many of you dismiss. Showing up is a beautiful conscious choice that is often dismissed because you tend to focus more on what you (seemingly) lack or haven’t done. Put more value on you simply being there: empower your actions further with your conscious truth of Being. In doing so, you plant powerful seeds for yourself in Life: seeds that you lay today are grounding for your path forward.”
I invite you to integrate the following two practices into your life.
1: Take a moment each day to look at your reflection and say something kind to yourself. Keep it simple.
2: When you find yourself at the end of something, be it your day, an event, a project or even a conversation, thank yourself for being there.
Both of these can be honored with the words, “Hi Me, thank you.”
Loving Reminder: Everything we do, whether we enjoy it or not, is energy, so cultivate yours with compassion.
Tania Isaac is an experienced Spiritual Guidance Channeler, Pet Communicator, Integrative Energy Healer and certified yoga instructor who specializes in blending holistic modalities to create unique healing sessions. She is located in Santa Barbara, CA where she lives with her husband and their rescued dog Oreo. Her mission is to empower empaths and help individuals connect with their innate metaphysical and healing abilities. To learn more about her offerings, visit: www.taniaisaac.com