Health has many facets—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Merriam-Webster defines health as “the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit.” I define health as an expression of self-love resulting in a sense of vitality and overall well-being generated from within.
Many physical diseases today are a direct result of the unacknowledged and unexpressed emotions we harbor. In Louise L. Hay’s book, You Can Heal Your Life, she identifies the mental thought patterns and emotions that correlate to different disease states and gives practical steps for releasing them through positive affirmations and forgiveness.
Expressing Love for Yourself Through Nutrition
Our eating habits begin at home and are passed from one generation to the next. As children, we connect love with the eating customs with which we were raised—the rules around the table; the kinds of food we ate; the amount we consumed. We also form emotional and social eating habits throughout our lives, and may even subject ourselves to nutritional deprivation.
There are many philosophies about nutrition and food. Examine your current habits and begin identifying what you could do differently to make some improvements regarding your nutrition. You may want to do some research on the internet, try out different food plans, implement a cleansing regimen, or meet with a holistic nutritionist. Notice how you feel when you apply any changes. Use the ones that work for you, and leave the rest behind. You will discover what is best for you.
Through my own research, I found what’s best for me is to eat whole, live, organic foods as much as possible. I do my best to eat fresh vegetables, lean meats, and fish. I also avoid GMO foods, carbonated beverages, and artificial sweeteners. One way I express love for myself is by drinking hot water with lemon, even in the summer, to help balance my pH level.
Expressing Love for Yourself Through Exercise
Exercise is also very important and can be of great benefit in leading a life of balance, happiness, and vitality. Exercising can include: walking, hiking, biking, swimming, lifting weights, or participating in classes, such as aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and dance. I invite you to take on identifying what you could do differently to express love for yourself through exercise. Again, research and experiment—you will discover what works best for you.
At this time in my life, the most rewarding physical activity that feeds my soul and my body is my morning 20-minute bike ride through the park. I love it!
Expressing Love for Yourself Through Sleep
Sleep is the time when your body regenerates itself. Research indicates that we need at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each day for our body to completely relax and recharge. Begin identifying what you could do differently to express love for yourself through better sleep. Perhaps create a before-bedtime routine that includes some relaxation—turn off the television, read something inspirational, journal what you are grateful for, and visualize what you’re looking forward to having in the future.
To support uninterrupted sleep, I wear an eye mask and use earplugs to block ambient light and outside noise. My before-bedtime routine includes: not drinking water 1-2 hours before bedtime; reviewing what I’ve accomplished and am grateful for; thinking about the people who have touched my life and whom I have impacted during my day; and doing a short, guided meditation. I then easily drift off to a peaceful sleep.
Expressing Love for Yourself Through Rejuvenation
Everyone needs down time to restore, refresh, and renew their spiritual, emotional, and mental selves. People are re-energized in different ways; some by being alone, others by hanging out with friends; some by being in nature, others by dancing the night away; some by relaxing with a good book, others by playing board games; some by walking on the beach, others by volunteering at the local food bank; some by driving through the countryside, others by singing karaoke at the local bar; some by enjoying a fabulous spa day, others by tailgating at a football stadium. Begin identifying what you could do differently to express love for yourself through rejuvenation. Choose whatever suits your fancy—whenever, wherever, or however you please.
One of the things I do Monday evenings to feed my soul at every level is singing in the Higher Vibration Healing Choir at the Institute of Harmonic Science in Phoenix, AZ. This experience supports me in starting my week from a peaceful, serene, relaxed place; fills me with optimism, joy, and positive energy; and allows me to open my heart to the love that surrounds me.
Resonance Repatterning
For further support, you may want to consider Resonance Repatterning®. This method, developed by Chloe Faith Wordsworth, releases the resonance with generational eating customs and habits that no longer serve you, as well as, the unconscious conclusions and patterns that ensued. It also allows you to heal wounds from past harmful experiences in regard to exercise, sleep and taking time off. You may want to consider going to the Repatterning Practitioners Association website and choosing a certified practitioner you feel guided to working with and give them a call. You’ll be amazed at the results.
May the wisdom inside you take you on a journey into your heart where your greatness abides. Now, that’s living a heart-centered, extraordinary life!
Lovingly Submitted, Victoria Benoit, M.C.
Healer, Speaker, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, What Would Love Do Right Now? A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life.
Repatterning Journal 