Let Self-Care be your first step to Self-Love

Self-Care. We hear this term often…amidst photos of everyday yogis and yoginis and Pinterest recipes made in mason jars. Our ever-accelerating world has acknowledged the power of a pause - of a breath, of silence - and created a push for a holistic understanding of wellness. This trend, while finding inspiration in practices as ancient as crystals and Ayurveda, is still a challenge to define and even more challenging to put into practice.

Let self-care be your first step to self-love!

A beautiful sentiment to be sure, and one that KM believes to its core – reflected in our mission to the intention infused in each of our beautiful products – and yet, this progression from self-care to self-love isn’t always that simple, now is it?

Consider the way that we so often discuss ‘self-care’ as a society. Though meant to empower of us each as individuals, ‘self-care’ has in many ways become commodified – from products and retreats, to cookbooks and workshops. The risk inherent in this commodification is the assumption that through consumption, through continual striving, we will eventually achieve wholeness. That the state of health and belonging exists somewhere beyond ourselves.

But I suggest turning inward as an alternative to always reaching. It is only by keeping a keen and open ear in our own direction that we can clearly hear what we truly need, as unique individuals. Like your very own piece of art, a self-care practice can borrow from a variety of modalities, each adding a distinct hue to your palette!

It is widely acknowledged that creating ritual and taking time to invest in oneself ultimately yields a healthier, happier individual - that self-care can, in fact, be a first step to self-love. So why does this prove so difficult? Where does the process get interrupted?

More than ever, our voices matter. In a time of shifting paradigms and sociocultural transition, our collective power to influence and to shape our world has never been more valuable. This January, thousands met in various locations all over the world to reaffirm commitment to building a positive and just future for all as a part of The Women’s March. The rally sought to engage and empower all people to support women's rights, human rights, as well as social and environmental justice.

As I stood in the square in the cold January sunshine, I couldn’t help but glance around me at the many people, the many signs, the many causes, the many stories that surrounded me. Not one of ours was the same. And yet, we each had something to say. We listened together, we danced together, we sang together, and we raised our voices in a chorus of distinct rhythms and melodies. But we did share a voice. As Margaret Mead once said we should, ‘never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.’

It occurred to me then, that what we each ultimately seek is acceptance and belonging, and that perhaps this same truth is shared when our self-care practice fails to manifest the deep and loving relationships we hope to build within ourselves. What emerged was the need for acceptance – of all colors and creeds. That it is through acceptance that we find healing.

Perhaps it is self-acceptance that need be the bedrock of our self-care practice. Perhaps it is acknowledging and respecting exactly where we are in the process rather than keeping our eye on some distant horizon that will allow for self-care to be our first step on the path to self-love.

While this may prove an ideal, it can also be difficult to know where to begin! Consider the following as potential places to start:

• Move yourself:

Find the way that feels best to move your body! Run, dance, stretch, hike…so long as you move and breathe deeply. Build strength, flexibility, and self-confidence.

• Nourish yourself:

The fuel we consume sustains us. It fills us up in a variety of ways! Create ritual in the way you prepare and share meals - it makes all the difference.

• Rest yourself:

We all know this one but be cognizant of your sleeping patterns and trust that you will be your best self for respecting them! Put your screens away before bed, leaving time to unwind from the ongoing stimulation.

• Fulfill yourself:

And most importantly, consider what lights you up! What inspires and moves you? Do that - unabashedly.

Offer yourself acceptance on your journey to self-love through self-care – because the world needs your unique voice.