Greetings,

Here is some wisdom I learned the other day:

Self-love means knowing that you do not have to fix the broken or unlikable parts of yourself to deserve to be loved. And, neither does anyone else.

Yoga in some ways flips the Golden Rule around. It is not, ‘Do Unto Others as you would have done to yourself,’ rather, the structure of yogic philosophy seems more like it would say, ‘Do Unto Your Self, as you would do unto others…’ and the amazing thing is, you will.

When you feel judged by others, it is likely you are judging or criticizing yourself in some way.

When you feel disliked by others, it is likely you are disliking some aspect of yourself.

When you feel disconnected from others, or an outsider, it is likely you are disconnected from yourself in some way.

When you feel gratitude for others or for life, it likely began with recognizing something in your Self that you are grateful for.

And none of this is to discount the very real, and deep feelings. It is rather an insight, that might give some relief, or a shift in perspective, and that might help.

“Until we can receive with an open heart, we're never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help.”
-Brene Brown

Return to the concept of Atma. That part of you that is changeless, perfect, whole. That part of you that is also the universal principle of Brahma. 

When you know your self as the Self of the self, or Atma, then Gratitude is present. It cannot be otherwise.  

Which also ties in with Day 3 from this week: Stop depending on the external world to make you happy.

When you know the truth of who you are - your Self of the self, then you find happiness within your Self, irregardless of the external circumstances.

Those who know this, are happy. Those who are happy, live in Gratitude.

“Enlightenment is a progressive understanding of an ever-greater wholeness.”

Practice the meditation. https://vimeo.com/407005986/8c57d06d05

Now, journal. What do you notice now?

Be Well in All Ways,

Kristen

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