A great way to pamper yourself with the attention and affection that we all crave — that we lavish on others, but never think to give to ourselves — is to have a love affair with your Self.<\/p>\n
These exercises in Self-appreciation and devotion are not meant to seal yourself off from others forever, or to replace any current or future relationships, but to make sure that you do not get involved for the wrong reasons — out of fear or desperation. <\/p>\n
You will emerge from these Self-love exercises with the secure knowledge that you are your own best lover. And when and if you choose, you are able to share that love with someone special, who will understand just how precious it is and return it in kind.<\/p>\n
An affair with your Self enables you to know, own and honor yourself as a unique and individual entity. To admit your abilities and limitations, your talents and truculence on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes, and love your Self unconditionally with compassion and no judgment attached. <\/p>\n
Self-love is so important, because the only person who is guaranteed to be with you forever until the day you die is you. <\/p>\n
Get to know your Self<\/b>
\u2022 Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, your fears and fantasies.
\u2022 Spend some quality time alone together — just you, yourself and you.
\u2022 Turn off the computer, the phone, the fax, and the TV.
\u2022 Put on your favorite music, or simply savor the silence.
\u2022 Entertain a program of non-directed Self-discovery.
\u2022 Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, your fears and fantasies
\u2022 Stare out the window or into a candle flame or a mirror.
\u2022 Clear your mind of inner chatter and let it wander where it will. <\/p>\n
Take interest in your Self<\/b>
\u2022 Engage in projects of Self-expression in order to reconnect with your higher nature and your inner best Self.
\u2022 Do an exercise tape.
\u2022 Go for a run, walk, swim, or bike ride.
\u2022 Read your Tarot cards. Consult the I Ching. Do yoga.
\u2022 Meditate. Drum, chant, dance.
\u2022 Write in your journal.
\u2022 Transcribe your dreams.
\u2022 Create an altar.
\u2022 Paint a picture or your walls.
\u2022 Sing silly songs.
\u2022 Have a good cry.
\u2022 Pound on pillows and scream.
\u2022 Laugh out loud.<\/p>\n
Please your Self<\/b>
\u2022 Work at establishing a warm, rich atmosphere for your own physical comfort and aesthetic enjoyment.
\u2022 Indulge in a variety of sensory delights.
\u2022 Surround yourself — your body, your home and to whatever degree possible, your office — with the colors, textures, sounds and smells that you love and that express your personality.
\u2022 Light candles and incense. <\/p>\n
Court your Self<\/b>
\u2022 Get all dressed up purely for the fun of it.
\u2022 Take yourself on a dream date.
\u2022 Go somewhere you have been meaning to go.
\u2022 Do things that you love.
\u2022 Buy yourself special treats.
\u2022 Compliment yourself, applaud and appreciate your strength and your beauty.
\u2022 Whisper sweet somethings in your ear.
\u2022 Tickle your fancy.
\u2022 Pull down the shades, turn off the lights and dance till you drop.
\u2022 Massage your body with sweet oils.
\u2022 Kiss yourself.
\u2022 Make hot love to your Self.
\u2022 Make yourself a marvelous breakfast in the morning.
\u2022 Send yourself flowers with a note saying, “I love you.”<\/p>\n