Loving Others as A Crucible for Loving Self in relating with others. I could easily get pre-occupied with comparing myself with others, competing with them even, rather than appreciating them in the moment.
The
By Tiffany Sparrow
ot h e r d a y i n a b o d yi m a g e g ro u p I r u n , a d e b ate s t a r t e d a b o ut t h i s s t a t em e nt:
“You can’t really love someone until you love and accept yourself.” I’ll start off by saying I agree that there is lots of truth in the statement. For myself, now that I hold less judgement for myself, I am less harsh and critical of others and have more patience and e n j oy me nt. Wh e n I was wrappe d up in my stories of self -depreciation and bo dy- d i s comfo r t , t h o se vo ice s would get in the way and made it harder for me to be present and to give of myself 69
When it comes to body love specifically, the more I’ve come to own my shape and let myself enjoy it, play up my curves and let myself feel desirable, the more I’ve had better sex, better intimacy with my partner and more connection with others. Feeling confident in my body has meant I’m more likely to say yes to the opportunities that present themselves in my life, to put on that dress and go to that social event and hop in that group photo or live video.
So yes, loving myself and my body more = more possibilities to love others. In most ways. Here’s the big but; metaphoric or literal, you choose. Practicing giving love to another, be it in service or intimacy, can be a great
