7 More Ways to Get Your Self-Love On

Allright my lady loves - the last week of the Self-Love Challenge is here! But really.. this is actually only the beginning. I tricked you. Now that you're on this self-love path you'll never be able to stop. Tehehehe. OK, if you forgive me for being so sneaky, please read on and discover the final 7 ways to love yourself this week.

Part 3 - The Self-Love Challenge

Day 20 -  Meditate with Mama Gaia

While in human bodies, our spirits need to connect with both the Cosmos and Mother Earth, in order to feel a true sense of satisfaction. Often times, however, we are stuck in the city, with lots of errands to run, and people to meet, and don't get much of a chance to connect with nature. And that's OK, because, while nature walks are great (see last week's self-love post), getting out into the wild isn't the only way to connect. Through meditation, we can invite some of the frequency of the Goddess Gaia, into our lives, calming our days, grounding us, and helping us to live more in tune with our natural cycles.

To do this, simply take 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time, put on some rain or ocean sounds if you please, and imagine yourself in your perfect paradise - whether that be a tropical rainforest, or on the edge of an white topped mountain. Let your mind create details about this vision, finishing off the meditation by saying aloud "Thank you, Mother Earth, for infusing your essence into this day. I invite you to be a larger part of my life, from this day forward."

Day 21 - Do Something That Scares You

Today's activity is do something that scares you. Not in the way of 'Oh my god, never ever would I want to do that' kinda scary, but the 'Ohhh divine essence of love power holy moly I wish I had the guts'   kinda scary. Maybe it's sky diving, saying hello to a stranger, or rocking some red pants. Whatever it is, I'm challenging you to listen to that still small voice inside, and just DO IT!

To give you a boost, and to take my own advice, I created a video of something that scares me.. but it's what I really love to do - SING!

Day 22 - Create a Sacred Space for Your Jewelry

I don't know about you, but my jewelry is pretty precious to me. Not in the sense that if I lose it I would freak out, but more so in the way that I just love how I feel when I look and wear my pieces.

So today, take a moment to gather your favourite jewelry - the stuff that makes you feel truly amazing, and create a sacred space for it. I choose to keep my crystal necklaces in a black box filled with rice in my bathroom. The rice, and colour black, allows the crystals to have more of a rest, and to ground their energies after I wear them for the day. But really, there are so many fun ways to store and display your jewelry (check out this fun pinterest DIY for example)

Day 23 - Invite Ritual into your Night

Rituals are any activities that vibrate with a sacred essence, something we do for the love of it, while holding the awareness that our actions create powerful ripples that permeate the cosmos. (Yes, they're that deep!) However rituals don't have to be scary or big, in order to be effective. Take this small, yet loving ritual - I burned sweetgrass the other night to invite positive vibrations into my space, while taking the time to observe how truly beautiful the moment was, as the grass mixed with fire and my new clear quartz pendant.

What will your ritual be? A soothing bath followed by pampering yourself with rose body lotion? Perhaps a meditation holding a piece of citrine, a walk in the park while connecting with the trees, or even saying grace before eating a meal with your beloveds. It's up to you!

Day 24 - Create a Heart Opening Elixer

All substances are made of energy, and food is no different. By acknowledging this, we can work with our foods + drinks to create profound healing opportunities at any time. For example, over the last few days I've been soaking organic rose petals and schizandra berries in my water. The result is a water that is loaded with the vibration of these heart opening and purifying substances, creating a heart opening elixer that is truly a treat to drink.

Day 25 - Light a Candle

Man made lighting can sometimes be draining. In fact, Doreen Virtue says that a whole host of new diseases started to appear shortly after the incandescent light bulb was invented. This isn't to say you should live in the darkness every night, but just for today, try lighting a beeswax (the key being non-paraffin) candle, turning everything else off, and soaking up a candle lit evening.

Day 26 - Follow the Self-Love Tour

2 of my fellow entrepreneurs and wellness activists, Alison Leipzig and Natalie Berthold, have created a series that is dedicated to investigating the latest in self-love. Their first episode aired on Valentine's Day, and in it, they interview an expert in skin care, exploring just how you can care for your largest organ. To keep updated with the series, which is super cute and so refreshing, please visit http://selflovetour.tv/

How Will You Love Yourself This Week? Part 2 of the Self-Love Challenge

I have to apologize for this post being so late. It was an act of self-love that caused this to be so, so it is all working out very nicely, even if my ego is telling me I should feel guilty for not posting it on the weekend. (When this happens I just acknowledge it and move on to the feelings of goodness inside)

I was selling at Market Collective this past weekend, a really amazing collaboration of artists and food vendors who come together to support each other  and local. It was a wonderful weekend, (which ended with booking a last minute trip to Hawaii!) but it definitely took it out of me. That coupled with my period (Im very open with these things...), my boyfriend's birthday, and parties and dinners, - I chose to spend my free time having baths and reading, instead of hurrying to the computer and my to-do list.

Now that I'm finally feeling my energy creep back, I am back in action for the month of self-love. So here are some more ideas to help you realize that you do love yourself, that you are wonderful, and that you do deserve an abundance of self-care time. Remember, self-love is all about service - to yourself, and to the world.

Part 2 - The Self-Love Challenge Continues

Day 13 - Switch Out The Old For the New - Body Products Style

Your pores, your hair - all the spaces on your body - are sponges. They drink in whatever you put on them. Therefore, if you wouldn't eat it, you shouldn't be putting it on your body. So many of us do the internal work - we buy the books, we spend time meditating, we might even do yoga, juice or pray - HOWEVER -  there is a major deficiency in terms of translating this type of self-care into body products. 

I can't tell you how many times I've gone into a yoga studio, or a conscious friend's house, and seen name brand, chemical filled body products on their shelves. It's something many of us just don't think about. But switching from Herbal Essences or Aveda to an organic product will not only help you to be happier and clearer, but it will also help the planet in a major way (because animals and the ocean don't like chemicals either). Today, go out to your natural health food store and choose an organic product that speaks to you.

Day 14 - Write the Miracles Down

Miracles happen to us so often. Every single day, miraculous things are happening, yet it's up to us to perceive them. The other day, I followed an intuitive hit to go for a walk before getting into my car, and not 2 minutes later did I discover a mass of feathers on the ground (which are very hard to find in winter since birds need them to keep warm!) - I'd been wanting some to create more dreamcatchers with! It was such a miracle that I decided to take a picture. But SO many miraculous things happened to me that day (like sparrows coming close to me, and discounts at stores being had) - it's just a matter of slowing down enough to honour the little things, that honestly, really aren't so little.

Today, write down everything wonderful that happens to you. As you honour the miracles, watch how many more come into your life, simply because you took the time to say thank you. 

Day 15 - Spend Time in Nature

Most of us realize that nature has an undeniable calming effect on us. The fresh air and open skies help us to feel reinvigorated and renewed, while helping us to feel grounded and alive. The thing is, a lot of us aren't actually getting out there. We might take walks around the neighbourhood, or go for quick runs, but when was the last time you took a solid chunk of time just to explore? To go to a space that felt sacred, and to do nothing other than feel, listen, and breathe?

Today, plan a day that you can take off and head to the mountains, a lake, a beach, a desert - whatever nature paradise is around you that you need to take more advantage of. And just be :) Enjoy, and let Nature do her thang.

Day 16 - Experience a Green Juice

I am obsessed with green juice. It is literally a very potent drug that gives you instant energy, and a fresher perspective on life. Juicing gets rid of the fibrous pulp, so your body doesn't have to anything but absorb the easily digestible minerals + vitamins that it otherwise would have to work much harder for. The green colour also corresponds to the heart chakra, waking it up to the potential of love everywhere it looks. 

If you don't have a juicer, head to the closest juice bars - if you don't know where to find them - ask! Green Juice is becoming very popular these days :)

Day 17 - Write Down Your Core Desired Feelings

Manifesting your dreams starts with manifesting the feelings you'd like to cultivate in your life. And taking some time to get clear on what you really desire in your life is a complete action of self-love. 

Danielle LaPorte calls this process of getting clear: identifying your "Core Desired Feelings" - ask yourself "How do I want to feel?" - Grab your journal, a cup of steaming tea, and get brainstorming!

Day 18 - Get a House Plant

House plants are wonderful - not just because they are pretty to look at, but because they cycle air the way nature intended for us to breathe it. Being inside often, especially if you're in the city, means we're not breathing air that's truly alive. This can be remedied by getting a house plant (or a few!), and keeping them in your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc. Our house is very fond of houseplants - we have more than a dozen!

Day 19 - Buy Yourself Something You Feel Delicious In

There's mindless shopping that you do because you're trying to distract yourself. And then there's self-love shopping that you do because you want to treat yourself to something fun. This day's task is all about the latter. 

I've been wanting a comfy, warm sweater in a great colour for a while now, and I found this chunky red knit at a vintage store down the street from my home recently! Going into the shop and trying on all the different options, touching fabrics, and having fun with options was fun - as was scoring the perfect find. Today, treat yourself to a certain something that you've been putting off, but you really want from a place of truth. 

Happy Self-Loving Friends! Make sure to comment below or on the facebook page with any more ideas you may have on how to love yourself more :)

The Self-Love Challenge - Celebrate February in a New Way!

Ahhh February... the month of lurve. I've always had a fun and light-hearted approach to this month, because for most of my life I've been single, and had single girlfriends by my side to celebrate with. I think that's so beautiful, but I'm ready to take this whole love business to the next level - I'm ready to celebrate myself all month long. Yes, you heard me. I'm going to be celebrating the love I have for myself all February long, and I want you to join me!

If you're reading this, you're probably already aware that self-love is one of the most powerful goals you could ever have. Rather than being some egocentric ploy to spend more time thinking about yourself, making self-love a priority is one of the biggest ways you can serve the world. A person who loves themselves is kind to others, always thinking about how they can best serve the world, and is in a near constant state of joy, which energetically permeates whatever space they're in.

Self-love is a journey. We don't get there overnight. But by inviting subtle processes to mark our intention to love ourselves, we make the big shifts. (I'm pulling wisdom from Gabrielle Bernstein in here)

Therefore, for the month of February, I will be posting small but profound ways that we can create lasting self-love. I'll be posting 7 ideas, once a week. You don't have to do all of the activities I post, they're simply meant to be inspiration for ways you can bring your own self-love practice into being. You can choose to do one self-loving activity a week, or like I'm suggesting, one self-loving activity a day. Feel free to switch it up and add your own ideas into the mix. After all, it's about you!

W E E K   1   -   T H E   M O N T H    O F   S E L F - L  O V E


Day 1 - Practice Yoga at Home

Most of us only do yoga when we go out to a class, but I've recently discovered how incredible it is to practice in your own home. You can do it for as little as or as long as you want (Today I did about 25 minutes), you can do all of your favourite poses, and you have the awareness that you're not doing it because of anyone else. There is no instructor to keep you going, it's just the love you have for yourself and your body that keeps you on the mat. I like to go through some vinyasas and cat curls, and then see what else my body is feeling. If you're not familiar with yoga poses yet, check out Yoga Journal's free online sets or sign up for a free 15 day trial of YogaGlo for full online classes!

Day 2 - Clear Your Home With Incense

Natural Incense has potent medicinal + spiritual qualities if directed with intention. Go out and get yourself some good quality incense that you love the smell of. Then light it in your office, bedroom or bathroom and say aloud "Thank you Incense for clearing my home, and charging it with loving vibrations. May the spirit of this tradition permeate my home, and cause love to fill every corner of my space". 

Day 3 - Treat Yourself to a Sunset

Everyone knows sunsets are beautiful, but few of us realize the true implications that a sunset can have. The colours, which tend to be orange, red, pink, and purple-ish, relax and give power to our lower chakras. This helps to ground you, allows you to feel more sensual and open, and prepares you for a relaxing night's sleep. Make sure to get outside (no windows!) for sunset, to reap the maximum benefit. If you want to go even further with this, meditate with Doreen Virtue and her 'Sunset Inner Peace Meditation'.

Day 4 - Buy Yourself the Perfect Crystal

Crystals are magical. Anytime I even look at mine I feel a sense of love and mystical connection that helps me to feel grounded and joyful. Today, go to your local crystal / new age store and say this prayer  "Inner guide, please clear my field and help to find the perfect crystal for me. Specifically I am looking for a crystal that helps me to feel more love for myself. Thank you!" - Choose the first one you touch. If you need some more guidance, please read my post on 'How to Choose the Perfect Crystal.'

Day 5 - Start Your Day Off With a Smoothie

Many of us tend to start our days with coffee, which although not bad in and of itself, can have negative effects over time. (Coffee is acidic, stresses the adrenals, dehydrates us, and can cause anxiety) Instead, substitue your usual morning elixer with a superfood smoothie! Depending on what you put in yours, smoothies can be packed with anti-oxidants, fibre, protein, and easy to digest energy that will help to fuel you all day long. To get some ideas for yours, check out Young and Raw's smoothie recipes. (Also, how fun is it to say smoothie? Smoooooothie smewwwwwwwtheeeee)

Day 6 - Have a Colour Therapy Bath

Colour Therapy means to use the vibration of colour to affect your mood or overall disposition. When used frequently (for example, eating green foods because your body tells you to, or wearing purple because it feels right) colour therapy can have a significant effect on your life.

Today, try having a pink colour therapy bath. Simply add a Tbsp or so of beet powder and about a cup of sea salt, and get soaking! Pink corresponds to the heart chakra, and a feeling of overall radiance. Notice how it makes you feel to soak in it :)

Day 7 - Go To Your Favourite Store

It's such a treat for me to go to my favourite crystal + book stores. I go not just to buy, but to soak up the environment of the healing products around me. I can spend hours, literally, going through books, pulling tarot cards, and playing with crystals. I've also met some pretty amazing people this way.

What's your favourite shop? Perhaps a vintage boutique or a cupcake store? Maybe an outdoor adventure spot or a cozy cafe with books for sale? Today, visit it just because! Enjoy your time there and make an experience of it.

Are you ready for your self-loving month? Please comment below if you have any other ideas or questions on how to luuuuuurv yourself completely!

It's Time to Love Myself More

"What is preventing me from living my ultimate life" I asked my heart recently, on a reflective day, half expecting to get a "Nothing, you can do it girl!" Instead I was told:

"Self-love" and was given an impression ( a strong feeling that does not manifest itself into words until I will it to) that I needed to love myself more. Beautiful. Rather than hurt me, this information felt wonderfully relieving, as if I was being given divine homework that I could no longer procrastinate on.

After a run, I came back home and asked another question, this time to my guides - "What is preventing me from loving myself?"

They told me that I feared if I loved myself fully, that I would no longer need the love of my boyfriend, family, and friends, and that love would disappear once I loved myself completely.

Half surprised and half totally knowing that I subconsciously believed this, I chose to release those fears in that moment. I chose to remind myself that the more I love myself, the more love would manifest in my life outwardly.

I'd like to invite you to try this today - ask your heart "What is preventing me from living the life I'd truly love?" and see where it takes you!