Optimum Health Institute Blog - What is Self-Love?

Do you truly love yourself? On the surface, this question might sound like a no-brainer, but when many people take the time to really sit with it and think about it deeply, they often find that the answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no.

What Is Self-Love?

At OHI, we think of self-love as a holistic healing practice, and an ongoing process, rather than a simple affirmation. Self-love involves bringing body, mind and spirit into harmony, and maintaining this alignment requires a great deal of focus and dedication.

How Does Self-Love Work?

Two of the key aspects of self-love are acceptance and forgiveness. We have all felt at one time or another that we—or parts of ourselves—were ‘unlovable’ in some way. We carry around powerful burdens of guilt, regret, shame and trauma. And the spiritual and emotional weight of these burdens often prevent us from having the will or drive necessary to heal ourselves, or seek healing in the first place.

That’s why self-love begins with recognizing the crucial connection and interdependence of mind, body and spirit. When we open ourselves up to self-acceptance and forgiveness, we begin to free ourselves from the many burdens that keep us from living healthy, joyous lives.

How A 3-Week Retreat At OHI Can Help

At OHI, everything we do is centered around this holistic approach to self-love. Through sharing, meditation, healthy eating and prayer, we give our guests the tools to foster true self-love and continue practicing self-love long after they leave our campuses. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

• Week One : In week one we focus on the mind, body, spirit connection by cleansing the body with a detoxifying, nutrient rich diet, calming the mind with regular meditation, and renewing the spirit with daily reflection, inspiration and prayer.

• Week Two : In week two, guests already have begun to feel the renewed energy and positivity that comes with cleansing and detoxifying mind, body and spirit. This is also when we begin learning and exploring the various tools to support us in setting our goals, and making healthier choices for ourselves.

• Week Three : This is far and away the most popular week of the program because this is when our guests begin to deeply internalize the process of self-love and learn to integrate it into their lives, propelling them toward continued physical, mental and spiritual health in their lives outside the OHI community.

Self-love sounds simple enough, but bringing mind, body and spirit into sustained balance, joy and lasting health requires a great deal of focus and maintenance. Self-love is a journey, and that journey begins right here with the warmth and compassion of the OHI community. The OHI program is a holistic way to enrich your body, mind and spirit – and show yourself some love. Visit our beautiful retreat centers in San Diego and Austin. Call (800) 588-0809 today to book your retreat.