For many of us, the idea of loving ourselves may seem out of reach, it is a process that evolves over time, as we learn to let go of self-criticism and self-judgment, and of the internalised negative voices from parents, siblings, teachers, and others. It becomes what Tara Brach calls a spiritual reparenting, learning to relate to ourselves with kindness. Our capacity to love ourselves is often awakened in us through having received love from others. So this practice starts by evoking a benefactor to help us remember what it’s like to love someone, and to awaken our loving heart. If we know how to love someone else, it means that we have what it takes to love ourselves.
Lovingkindness for self (25 min)
