Hello, hello! I’m Whit, an Energy Empowerment Guide with a camp counselor vibe and today I’m here to talk about something close to my heart: self-love. It’s one of the essential pieces of the puzzle when it comes to living more in alignment with our higher selves. We’re all on different paths, doing the inner work that brings us closer to our true, authentic selves. But here’s the thing – this journey of self-love? It’s not linear. It’s messy, it’s personal, and it’s always evolving.

In my weekly newsletter, Channeled Messages for Humanity, I tune into different energies to bring forth questions that can help us expand and grow. I’d like to explore one of those themes more in depth today. The question comes straight from the energy of self-love:

In what ways have I yet to fully love myself?

Oof, right? That’s a heavy one. When I first tuned into it, I’ll admit it hit me pretty hard, because it’s not just a surface-level question. This one goes deep. But that’s the beauty of it – it invites us to reflect, to be vulnerable, and to dig into the places we might usually shy away from. I sat with this question myself, and like I always encourage, I wrote about it. Journaling is a fantastic way to process emotions and get those thoughts swirling around in your mind onto paper where they can be seen and understood.

Here’s what I discovered.

The Layers of Self-Love: It’s More Than Skin Deep

When I started writing, I realized there are so many facets to self-love that go beyond the obvious. Sure, there’s the physical aspect – loving your body, your appearance, and treating yourself with care. But then there are the emotional layers, the mental layers, and even the spiritual ones.

For example, when I thought about how I wasn’t loving my voice fully, I asked myself: “What about my voice don’t I love yet?” Or, “Which parts of my voice are craving love from me?” These types of probing questions are crucial because they help uncover hidden beliefs or fears we might not even be aware of. In my case, it was a lot about fear of being judged for sing-talking, something I do often and am not always consciously aware I’m doing it. I’d look at others and think, “They are being quiet, why do I seem to make more noise than them?” But as we know, comparison is a thief of joy, and it’s a distraction from what really matters: your unique, beautiful self.

And it’s not just about the voice or body. Self-love also means accepting your quirks, your learnings, and your challenges. For me, there was a realization that I wasn’t fully embracing the parts of myself that made me different. I wasn’t loving the “weird” parts, the parts that don’t fit into a box. And in not loving those parts, I was holding myself back from fully showing up as my most authentic self.

Comparison Is a Distraction: We're All on Different Paths

Speaking of comparison, let’s talk about how we often get distracted by this. I’ve done it. You’ve probably done it. We look at where someone else is in their journey and think we should be further along, or that their path somehow defines ours. But here’s the truth: we’re all in different places. Not better, not worse—just different. And that’s okay.

Self-love means recognizing that your journey is yours. It’s unique, it’s personal, and no one else’s path will ever look exactly like yours. So if you tend to compare yourself to others, take a step back. Breathe. Reflect. Ask yourself, “What is my journey teaching me right now? How can I honor my path without looking externally?” These reflections can bring a sense of peace and acceptance that’s often missing when we’re too busy measuring ourselves against someone else.

Ancient and Native Wisdom: Self-Love as Sacred Practice

When we think of self-love, we often view it as a modern concept—a response to today’s fast-paced, self-critical world. But the roots of self-love run deep, woven through ancient and indigenous cultures that understood its sacred nature. These traditions teach us that self-love isn’t just personal; it’s a fundamental connection to the universe and the divine.

For example, in many indigenous cultures, the concept of self-love is embedded in practices of honoring the self as part of the greater whole. Native American traditions, for instance, emphasize the importance of inner harmony. Ceremonies like smudging are not just about clearing spaces but also about purifying the self and fostering self-respect. The belief that everything is interconnected—our thoughts, actions, and relationships—underscores the importance of loving oneself as a means of contributing positively to the collective energy.

In Ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle spoke of philautia—a form of self-love that is neither selfish nor egotistical but rooted in the belief that loving oneself is essential for loving others. This mirrors the modern saying: You can’t pour from an empty cup. The Greeks understood that nurturing the self was not a luxury but a responsibility, a way to ensure harmony within and without.

These teachings remind us that self-love isn’t about indulgence; it’s about balance. It’s a practice of recognizing our worth, listening to our needs, and honoring our unique place in the web of life. By embracing this perspective, we can see self-love not as a fleeting act but as a sacred journey.

The Modern Science of Self-Love: What the Research Says

While ancient wisdom provides the philosophical foundation, modern science backs up the profound impact of self-love on our well-being. Research consistently shows that cultivating self-compassion and self-acceptance can lead to healthier, happier lives—and the numbers speak volumes.

A study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who practice self-compassion are less likely to experience anxiety and depression. This is because self-compassion helps people regulate their emotions, fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In simple terms: when you treat yourself with kindness instead of criticism, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, promoting a sense of safety and calm.

Moreover, studies show that self-love is directly linked to physical health. Research published in Health Psychology reveals that self-compassionate people are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Why? Because they’re motivated by care for their well-being rather than by guilt or pressure.

Another fascinating area of study is the relationship between self-love and productivity. A report in Frontiers in Psychology highlights that people who practice self-acceptance are more innovative and creative. This is because they’re less afraid of failure, allowing them to take risks and think outside the box. In a world that often equates success with constant hustle, self-love offers a sustainable path to achieving our goals without burnout.

Science confirms what ancient wisdom has long known: self-love is a powerful tool for transformation. It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about living better, more connected, and more aligned with your authentic self.

Practical Tips for Cultivating Self-Love

So, how do we move toward greater self-love? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I can share some things that have worked for me:

Journaling: As I mentioned earlier, writing is a powerful tool. Start by answering today’s question: “In what ways have I yet to fully love myself?” Then let the thoughts flow. Don’t censor yourself. You might be surprised by what comes up. If you enjoy journaling or would like to get started from an energy empowerment lens, the Adventure Within journal is a great place to start!
Meditation: If writing isn’t your thing, try meditating on the question. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and sit with it. Let the question linger in your mind, and see what emotions or thoughts rise to the surface. Be patient with yourself in this process.
Activity: A mix of writing, sitting with self, and physical action is often a helpful option. You can come up with something to incorporate multiple methods yourself, or watch this Love ALL of You activity video to practice loving all parts of you in word and action.
Affirmations: Sometimes, we need to actively speak love into ourselves. Simple affirmations like “I am worthy of love just as I am,” or “My body is beautiful, strong, and deserves care,” can shift the way we talk to ourselves on a daily basis.
Body Connection: Whether it’s through movement, mindful touch, or simply listening to your body’s needs, reconnecting with your physical self is a beautiful way to cultivate love. Yoga, dance, or even just stretching can be acts of love when done mindfully.
Community: Surround yourself with people who support your journey. Being around others who are also doing the inner work can be incredibly affirming. It reminds you that you’re not alone, even when the work feels tough. If you aren’t sure where to go for this, the Energy Exploration Community Gatherings are a welcoming and heart-centered space to explore more self-love.

energy exploration community gatherings — Join a unity consciousness focused community where we explore energy from a heart-centered and respectful of all perspectives space. We are all students and teachers here. If you're on a spiritual awakening journey, on an ascension path, expanding into more of you, and/or believe in self-empowerment, this community welcomes you.

Join Here

A Personal Note

I remember a time when I struggled with loving a specific part of myself—my energy sensitivity. Growing up, I was often told I was “too sensitive,” and I internalized that as a flaw. I tried to toughen up and hold back emotions to fit into a mold of what I thought I should be. But the more I tried to suppress that part of me, the more disconnected I felt from who I really was. It wasn’t until I began to see my energy sensitivity as a gift—one that allows me to connect deeply with myself and others—that I was able to truly love that part of myself.

And that’s the thing about self-love. It’s not about changing who you are. It’s about embracing every part of you, even the parts you once thought were “too much” or “not enough.”

Final Thoughts

Self-love is a journey, not a destination. It’s something we can choose to actively work on every day, and it looks different for everyone. So if you’re feeling stuck or unsure of where to start, remember this: it’s okay to take your time. Ask the tough questions, sit with them, and be gentle with yourself along the way.

And if you need a little help, I’m here. My Energy Empowerment Guidance provides customized channeling with your higher self. If that is exciting to you, check it out and let’s expand together. Because at the end of the day, self-love is not just about feeling good in your skin. It’s about fully embodying who you are and aligning with your higher self.

Love to you, always.

*I HIGHLY recommend checking out Native and Indigenous sources to do a deeper dive into the topic covered. The very short paragraph included here has the intention to bring awareness to this perspective, but not speak for it. Please check out more in depth information directly from the source!

Embracing Self-Love: A Journey of Growth and Authenticity