![]() I attended a program last Tuesday that initially struck me as outside my comfort zone. Because I was attending with three close friends, I decided to push ahead - get out of my head - and check it out. The group was being held at Anahata Yoga and Wellness Center, in Harleysville, PA. I immediately felt a sense of peace and welcome when I entered the studio of Amiee Wright of loveamiee.com She greeted my friends and me warmly and respectfully - inviting us to make ourselves comfortable in the circle with pillows, supportive cushions for our legs - even soft blankets if any of us got chilly. Amiee asked us to select the seat we wanted. On each seat was a 'name badge'. Mine happened to say 'I am wise.' Others said: 'I am joy'; 'I am radiant'; 'I am beautiful'; 'I am love'; 'I am grateful'; 'I am free'; 'I am peace'. She reinforced that we were all of these attributes as she began our discussion on the subject of Self - Love. She also gave us her most empowering affirmation on a card that I now keep displayed on my writing desk: "I am grateful for the courage to make permanent change in my life". After we all introduced ourselves to each other, Amiee encouraged us to look into ourselves and become more aware of how we handle this subject of loving, appreciating and nurturing ourselves. Every 2nd Tuesday / 7-9 pm"We are actively creating the life we want or don’t want – each choice we make, each thought we hold onto, is an act of creation. The life you long to live can be yours. ANYTHING is possible. Anything can be. And it all starts with LOVE. You are invited to join the circle as we remind each other of who we really are, awakening our true potential through the restorative power of love." (Amiee Wright) For the remainder of the time, Aimee worked with each of us individually. She asked permission if she could stand behind us, touching us on the shoulders, head...and was understanding that not everyone in the group had the same level of comfort. I'll share some of the intuitive feedback that I was given: Aimee thanked me for attending and found me to be courageous in my willingness to try new things. She urged me to stick with 'self-love' - as I am the only one who can totally love myself. I was reminded that 'I am worth it' - that 'I do have love for myself'. She acknowledged I was more comfortable choosing others over myself and reinforced that I have an opportunity to change history / shed old baggage. I can do this with positive thoughts such as: "Today I am willing to love myself" - "Today I'm willing to forgive" - "I'm meant to live in freedom without excess baggage". She ended by repeating several times: "You are amazing". As the class was ending, Amiee asked us to look at our badges, as there were 'stickers' on the back of two of them. I was delighted that my badge was a 'winner'...! I received a copy of: "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay - which is filled with loving affirmations and personal strategies. Here is one example of an affirmation included in this book:
I'm quite sure that all seven participants had different perspectives and life experiences coming into the group - yet I believe all of us left with a feeling that we were worthy of self-love. Each month this autumn, Amiee will focus the energy on one theme, or quality of expressing Love. September - Illusions / October - Intuition / November - Gratitude My Reflections:I'm so glad I pushed past initial doubts and attended Amiee's session. I derived much self-insight in the opportunity I had to meditate in silence - as mental clarity is essential for me to truly focus. I'm grateful I allowed myself to 'be in the present'. For me, I have a tendency to think about how the past could have worked out better or what tomorrow will bring. I realized that I have no problem teaching my students the importance of self-care and empowerment. I stress that self-care is not selfish. Yet, this was an 'easier said than done' concept for me to apply to myself. I recognize our society attaches a negative judgment to a focus on self-love, self-care and self-acceptance. I believe that factors such as age, culture, religion, and our upbringing can affect these concepts. As loving as mom was, she put absolutely everyone before herself - at all times. I am starting to resist this familial tendency, after over fifty years of practice in taking care of everyone else but me. I realize that my views will appear self-centered to some. I'm perfectly alright with that, as everyone is entitled to their views. For me, there is no 'right or wrong' - simply a self-acknowledgement that I must love myself before I can love and care for others. So I believe I have finally answered this question on my own behalf. Self - Love is NOT selfish. And I'm sticking with it - for the long haul...and thought this song might be in order: Whitney Houston: The Greatest Love of All Meanwhile, in the rest of Weeblyhood, please check out the following:
Catching Up With femmeflashpoint via marcoujor's musings Picking and Choosing via WarnerWords Small Town-Big Talent: Denise Rapp of the New-Harmony Gazette via flashPress Until next week, be peaceful. Hugs, mar
28 Comments
Kimmie
8/19/2015 12:19:09 am
Good morning friend. What a wonderful post to read. This workshop appears to have been such a wonderful gift...teaching and filling your heart with words of wisdom. I too struggle with over filling my plate in helping others and taking time for myself is hard. When I do a sense of guilt sneaks in filling my mind of things I could be doing but not for myself. Finding that place of peace and contentment is surely worth pursuing not to mention acceptance that it is okay to rest.
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Shauna
8/19/2015 03:42:24 am
Mar, you are on a path of discovery and acceptance of your self. It's a beautiful thing to see. So many people love and value you. I'm so proud that you are finally discovering the beauty of you, for it emanates from within.
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Dear Mar, you are indeed wise. Attending these soul-enriching courses is just a proof how wise you are.
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Thank you for sharing this inspiring post with us, dear Maria. By your words, I can feel this program was a most uplifting and giving experience to you. We all need a reminder that we should love ourselves first of all. I have a tendency to do more for others than for myself, if not, I feel guilty. Hmm. I think I need an Aimee in my life ;)
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Mike
8/19/2015 08:36:31 am
Hi Maria, I once attended a workshop like this (not). My first card said, "You are bald." But the other one said, "In life you will only make change."
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Sunshine
8/19/2015 10:30:41 am
Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone. You inspire me to possibly do the same. Hopefully soon. Like yesterday! :)
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Hello Maria,
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Gail Sobotkin
8/19/2015 04:38:11 pm
Dear Maria,
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femmeflashpoint
8/20/2015 08:19:24 am
Prof. Mahreer,
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Peg
8/21/2015 01:37:17 am
So glad you shared this experience with us, Mar. It is difficult to love ourselves at times and to value ourselves without feeling self indulgent. I think you're wise to depart from the habit of taking care of everyone else ALL the time. We each need some me time and to experience love for ourselves. In order to love others we must be able to love ourselves. It is often hard to do this. Thanks for the boost of courage in your message
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8/21/2015 01:58:54 pm
This is an awareness I gained some time back, virtually on my own, from difficult circumstances, To know oneself thoroughly, accept oneself, with all one's variables and realize oneself is valuable is a most freeing awareness. I applaud Aimee for helping people realize it and you for, perhaps, risking finding out about it.
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Vinaya Ghimire
8/30/2015 03:39:41 am
I wish I could attend a workshop like this. However, these days I am living in my farm and all I have around me is animals and plants. However, I still find time to look inside myself. Self love is discovering who you are.
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This is my absolute favorite of the posts I've read so far. :) I love, love, love this! I am working on getting certified in mindfulness and I want to lead little workshops and seminars like this. It sounds so beautiful and it sounds like you got a lot out of it. We often do the most growing when we're out of our comfort zones. :) I've been sharing your posts, but this one I will share more than once! :)
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