4 TIPS TO BUILD SELF-LOVE + ACCEPTANCE
I’m not sure of the science, but it’s pretty conclusive that taking out a big camera triggers self-doubt and insecurity for most humans. Have you experienced that feeling of nakedness being in front of the camera? I’ve felt it and I’ve watched countless clients experience it.
The good news is… that vulnerability is also what makes the possibility to transform so huge! When we soften to the vulnerability of the circumstances, and name them out loud…. Magic can happen.
The first photography business I opened in 2010 was primarily weddings, families and newborns. Working with countless brides, moms and women, I noticed a trend. During our photos, many women brought up concerns and uncertainties about their looks: their makeup, current weight, outfit choice, smile, a blemish that showed up that day, general worries about looking awkward.
It’s about so much more than the woman looking beautiful in a picture with “a great look” or “the right angle”. The true magic happens when women share honestly and I coach them through their uncertainties from behind the lens. They feel fully seen, have a more open attitude, are able to drop into the moment and can really be there in their bodies.
Each client’s uncertainty is slightly different and each strategy to support them varies a bit. But, the result is consistent: before seeing their photos, nearly every woman walks away feeling more confident and grateful! Not only that, all the women I work with have awesome photos reminding them of a universal truth: you have access to your highest self, here and now. Sounds good, right?
At Amplify Your Heartpath, we value doing the inner work, with or without a photoshoot. We all have things we’ve told ourselves that haven’t been kind– whether it’s something we’ve noticed in the mirror, or a negative thought putting ourselves down. And, it’s possible to restore the balance with some honesty, compassion and courage.
Enjoy these tools to notice your vulnerability, embrace who you are and grow your self-love…
1. Practice a mirror gazing meditation for presence + self-compassion
Start by finding a comfortable seated position in front of a mirror and setting aside 5 minutes. Close your eyes as you focus on your breathing and relax into this new experience. Open your eyes and softly gaze at yourself for as long as you can. Pay attention to the thoughts, emotions and sensations that come up. This practice was developed by Tara Well and is explained more in depth here.
2. Look at yourself with eyes of gratitude
Find some pictures of yourself or stand in front of the mirror. Close your eyes, put your hands on your heart and set the intention of self-love. Open your eyes and look at yourself. As you look, search for all the things you like and appreciate about your outer appearance. Write them down or say them out loud. If you need help getting started, think of someone who loves you and imagine what they see when they look at you. For more inspiration, acknowledge what each part of your body does every day. Be specific about what you are thanking it for. Example: “I love my mouth and tongue. Thank you for helping me speak words of courage, enjoy flavors and sensations.”
3. Write yourself a love note
Reflect on what you appreciate and value about yourself: little things, big things, memories you’re proud of, things you’ve done that remind you of it, anything, all of it! Write it down. Then, record it to a voice memo as you read it out loud. Listen to this recording every day for a week, or as long as you need.
At any point on this journey, if you notice critical thoughts arise, challenge what’s coming up. Byron Katie has a beautiful practice to of self-inquiry through asking: “is it true? Can you absolutely know that it’s true? How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought? Who would you be without the thought?
4. Repeat the following: I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
I invite you to say these words to yourself and allow them to penetrate your heart. Repeat these phrases out loud while dancing or quietly to yourself in stillness. This wisdom tradition and healing practice called Hoʻoponopono originates in Hawaii. These simple and powerful words can restore balance in communities, families and relationships with others and ourselves. Kumu Sabra Kauka, a Hawai’in elder explains it briefly here.
Give yourself a hug. You deserve it.
Being vulnerable is a courageous act. If you dabble with even one of these strategies, you strengthen your pathways of opening and courage. You deepen the connection with yourself, and deepen your ability to connect with others.
Stay tuned for part 2…. because there is so much goodness to say on this subject!
Refresh your business with clarity + flow!
I empower + inspire heart-led entrepreneurs to grow their business with purpose through supportive collaboration, authentic brand photography + powerful messaging. Let this be the season of MORE LOVE for your business, yourself + your life.