LOVING MYSELF

A few years ago I had heard that 'to truly love others I should first learn to love myself !'   My first thought was, 'How could I possibly do that?'  And yet the answer (as weird as it seemed) was so simple. It was just, 'LEARN TO LISTEN'!

Although it didn't seem logical, I had at least become aware of the concept, and results became quite evident within a short period. Arguments became less, and more appreciation for others developed as better conversation occurred. I was learning to hear people out, rather than interrupting them before they had finished. And not answering them back was hard at first, but a most helpful learning.

If I listened to someone that I had thought wrong in the past, it did not now matter, and the situation between us became less difficult when I began to understand their point of view. I didn't have to agree with it, but I could understand them. Slowly I am gaining trust in myself that all is well, and the fear of being burdened because of negative experiences in the past, was lifting. I am now letting go, and walking in faith - faith in myself. Way above the old religious concept of being obedient to some law and under the fear of punishment. Those days are dead now.

Dialogue is an accurate word for a conversation which is not biased or taking sides. Good dialogue is necessary, satisfying and healthy, and this approach is of course also helping us to discover (uncover) and explore ourselves more.

Now THIS IS REALLY QUITE A BIG DEAL, as from whatever angle I consider it from; 'loving myself', or getting to know myself, would be the greatest of all things for any person. So much begins to happen as we become aware of the real inner self, as It melds with our Earthly or fleshly nature.

To do this was not often easy to start with, but after two or three times of realising that I was interrupting or being a know-all, it became easier. Weeks later I would realise, "Oh, I don't do that anymore"!
A small pebble destroys Goliath.

^{Metoikos - waitangi.com}