Self-love, intimacy, health and love

While prepping for the upcoming Cultivating Presence workshop I came across the following article on the nature of friendships, and it got me thinking, got me feeling.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/opinion/sunday /do-your-friends-actually-like-you.html?_r=0
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It is about a study finding that we are pretty poor judges of whether people we consider friends, also consider us friends.  Turns out there is only "equal" affection around                                                                 50% of the time.

Interesting enough in it's own right but the last few paragraphs are key here, suggesting that feeling deep intimacy and safety activate the fabled Vagus Nerve (more likely the entire Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)) allowing us to expose our "soft underbelly", and has measurable improvements in health and longevity.

All thumbs up at this point.

It then goes on to ask about who you surround yourself with.

"So it’s worth identifying who among the many people you encounter in your life are truly friends. Who makes time for you? Whose company enlivens, enriches and maybe even humbles you? Whom would you miss? Who would miss you?"

So I am curious what would happen if this person was YOU!

If you were the one you turn to in times of need, who shows you endless compassion and love at all times. If you were the one you feel privileged to spend time with and lights up your heart when you get to spend an afternoon in the park, or a romantic dinner with.

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​ The one you want to spend all your days with.​

What would happen if you woke and treated yourself like your best friend?

Like a lover?

With the love and acceptance you may show a new born?

I'm sure you know the answer.

So give yourself a hug.  Take yourself on a date.
Pour yourself a big cup of self love.
Give yourself a massage, and be grateful for your presence.

These concepts and more will be explored at the upcoming Cultivating Presence Workshop.  

Find out more - Cultivating Presence