Here are a few tidbits from an amazing book ~ enjoy!
You’re listening to the Love Tidbits Podcast, where you’ll discover a small, tasty, delightful, bite-sized tibit of love. I’m your host, LeAnn Austin
Hey y’all, welcome to Love Tidbits, episode #26: Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
One of my favorite books is titled: Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It, by Kamal Ravikant. Kamal takes us on his fascinating journey and I highly recommend reading this book.
He was, before he wrote this, very concerned about what will other people think, and even to share this. He was terrified. And yet, he did it anyway, which makes this so much sweeter. Kamal shares a vow he made to himself and the importance of keeping this vow. Often we keep commitments or vows to others, but he teaches us the importance of keeping these vows to ourselves.
Kamal understands the importance of the mind and love. He knew it was an inside problem and he needed to find an inside solution. So he created a practice to work on his mind. He started with telling himself that he loved himself. Simply beginning with this thought, and then noticing how he felt. At first he said it felt fake, but very quickly it became real.
I love how this telling himself that he loved himself, reminds me of what I teach my clients and what I practice myself. This light switch trick. Every time we turn on a light, telling ourselves what we love about us. It can seem really corny and really fake, but if we keep practicing it and reinforcing that love with light, it becomes easier and we’re really honoring this truth for ourself.
Now, the next part of Kamal’s practice was a simple meditation. Noticing what we’re breathing, how we’re breathing. He talks about taking ten breaths, inhaling: I love myself, and exhaling: whatever comes out.
The third part of his practice was to stand in front of the mirror. Really close to the mirror, so your nose is only a few inches away. He said to focus on your eyes and say: I love myself. Repeat it and watch your eyes, he says. And he suggests doing this for five minutes. Repeating: I love myself, and pausing occasionally to watch how your eyes are reacting. Smile at the end, Kamal says, of the five minutes. I love how he shared, if anyone looked in your eyes, knowing that you love them, this is what they saw, and give yourself that same gift.
Then the last part of Kamal’s practice, is to ask yourself one question. “If I love myself truly and deeply, would I let myself experience this?” Hmmm. There’s so much more valuable information in this book that you can incorporate into your life. And again, I recommend reading and trying what Kamal shares.
A few other tidbits. He says; “All freedom starts within. Even if you want to forgive others, you must forgive yourself first. Only the free can free another.” And he also mentions the power of a vow. You go all in. If you stumble and fall, you get up, dust yourself off, and continue on. And there is only one way, forward.
We’re wired for love y’all, and when we make our mind better, everything is better. My favorite question to ponder that Kamal continually asks himself is this: “If I love myself truly and deeply, what would I do?” Hmmm, something to think about.
Have a good one y’all ~ and here’s to love. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share and leave a review to help others hear tidbits of love. If you would like to become an expert at loving yourself, check out my Lovin Me Program at leannaustin.com
