Do you love yourself?

A quick “yes” answer to this question is expected.

But you, really?

How many times in your life do you put up with mediocre relationships?

How many times have you let others constantly disrespect you?

Do you ever end up alone to have fun?

If you have answers to all of these questions other than a big no, and these situations have been bothering you a lot lately, then here’s the truth—you need more self-love.

Self love is about loving and enjoying who you are. It shows when you take the time, when you really take the time to explore and get to know your true self.

We live in a time when self-love is highly encouraged.

You hear and read a lot of ways to show yourself some self-love, and some of them are really effective.

Another love routine you can do is through metta meditation.

The Meditation for Self-Love

Metta meditation is also known as Loving Kindness meditation.

“Metta,” in Sanskrit means positive energy and kindness towards others. Therefore, metta meditation is also known as loving kindness meditation.

In this practice, you choose a specific object of meditation and you hold that in your heart similar to how you hold something fragile and precious in your hand.

Metta meditation is a concentration practice, so it’s all about the object of your meditation.

When you find yourself distracted in the middle of your meditation, you need to proactively snap out of it and return to the object of your meditation.

On the other hand, you continue to let whatever comes out.

You might think it’s challenging, but letting go of intrusive thoughts gives you valuable insight—the thoughts you hold on to.

The Metta Meditation Technique

Since fulfilled meditation is all about developing positive emotions towards yourself and towards others, a common technique is the use of phrases to express your intentions.

Here are some traditional metta phrases you can use to start your practice:

• “May I be strong”
• “I can be safe”
• “I can be comfortable and happy”

To use this technique, you can repeat these phrases to yourself without expecting anything.

You can always craft your metta meditation phrases based on whatever you feel at that moment.

Do When Meditating Today

You don’t need any special tools to do metta meditation.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths.
• Focus on your breathing for a few minutes.
• Choose a kind and positive phrase and repeat it slowly.
• Think about your friends and family or a specific person. Recite the phrase to that person.
• Repeat the phrase until you feel feelings of compassion.

You can use visual imagery while reciting each phrase too!

If you are new to the practice, be patient with yourself.

Do not expect immediate results because this will set you up for failure.

You can experiment with practice to find the best technique that suits you.

Perhaps, you are more comfortable doing it in a certain place or pose.

Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to experiment.

Are you ready to trust your ability to love yourself and others?