Taking a day for silence, listening, prayer, and meditation for eight hours brings an interesting realization: the need to embody what has been revealed to you. It’s a journey in learning how to genuinely love yourself and others, rooted in truth rather than ego. While loving ourselves can sometimes feel effortless, extending that love to others can truly test our patience and resolve. 

I recall emerging from those blissful hours enveloped in peace and calm, feeling invigorated—until it was time to re-enter the hustle of daily life. Dinner needed to be cooked, the house cleaned, homework assisted with, and my own tasks completed. My family and friends were waiting, saying things like, “Hey, we’ve been here for eight hours,” “Life has been on pause,” and “We need you.” It was time to put my insights into practice.

I frequently observe this with my yoga students and life coaching clients. We often feel ready to embrace our spiritual journeys, eager to conquer the world, but then we’re faced with the reality of those around us, and we wonder, “Where did all these people and circumstances come from? They seem to obstruct my spiritual growth.” In reality, they are integral to that growth. They teach us how to live authentically, free from ego or expectations. We share this space together, navigating conflict, love, passion, victory, struggle, suffering, and joy. All of it is part of the intricate tapestry of living, and we are meant to do it collectively. 

Once I grasped this concept, life became a bit more manageable, even during the less enjoyable moments. I remind myself, “Lisa, this is living; let’s embrace it.” Staying open and grounded in truth is essential. Love is a profound force, originating from a deep connection within us that we may have lost touch with long ago. When we return to loving ourselves and embracing who God created us to be, we can engage with others honestly and openly.

Society often teaches us that we must earn love by saying the right things, doing the right things, and being the right person. This notion is fundamentally flawed. Consider a baby: we celebrate their mere existence, marveling at their ability to eat, sleep, and smile, all while doing nothing else. We love them unconditionally for just being. Babies inherently understand this truth: they are loved simply for existing. 

So, what changed? When did we disconnect from this understanding? I believe it starts when we learn to seek validation from the world, interpreting our worth through our accomplishments and how well we meet others’ expectations. We come to believe that love is conditional—tied to our performance. When we make mistakes, we often internalize that as evidence of our unworthiness, thinking, “I did something wrong; therefore, I don’t deserve love.” 

This cycle can be traced back to how we learned to define love in our formative years. It’s a narrative that needs to change. This perspective doesn’t reflect the nature of God, our Creator; rather, it mirrors the flawed understanding of love that has been perpetuated through generations. 

In truth, we are inherently lovable; no proof of worthiness or performance is necessary. We were all created in love and are deserving of love simply because we exist. It’s essential to dismantle the conditioning that tells us otherwise, to reconnect with the deep-rooted belief that we are worthy of love for who we are, not what we accomplish.

As we navigate our relationships and interactions, let’s strive to cultivate a space where love is unconditional and freely given. Let’s remind ourselves of the beauty in simply being, just as a baby exists without striving for approval. By embracing this truth, we create a ripple effect, encouraging others to see their innate worth and fostering a community rooted in genuine love and acceptance.

Ultimately, the journey of living and loving is about returning to that foundational truth. It’s about recognizing that we all share this human experience, with its ups and downs, and learning to extend grace to ourselves and others. When we approach life with an open heart and a commitment to authenticity, we can transform our relationships and our world, one act of love at a time.