Free Tiny Buddha's Guide to Loving Yourself: 40 Ways to Transform Your Inner Critic and Your Life by Lori Deschene

needed to do. The first was to stop staring in the mirror. The second was to look at what was going on inside.
    Soon, a friend recommended meditation, so I gave that a try. I sat, breathed, quieted my thoughts, and shared my feelings in a nine-hour course, which I soon followed with a two-day silent meditation retreat. It's possible that a silent retreat may not be for everyone, but it was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. The two days forced me to reflect and be with myself in an environment that did not permit social interaction, not even eye contact. There were also no distractions, such as telephone, TV, books, or computers.
    Was the experience disagreeable? Initially, yes. Was it painful? Sometimes. But it allowed me to bring forth a lot of valuable self-information and one remarkable realization: I became conscious of how unnatural I felt. In the time I was there, I recognized that I was not uncomfortable in that setting because I didn't know how to be with myself. I was uncomfortable because I didn't know how to be myself.
    This was also why I often felt unattractive and ill at ease with others. I was frequently projecting someone who didn't feel like me, and that projection habitually depended on who I was interacting with. It was this realization that launched my journey to authenticity and the discovery of a beautiful me. Slowly, I started to learn about myself and the things that make me happy, and I found that I had arhythm. I could hardly believe it, but I actually had my own beautiful flow, and as soon as I began to follow it, my authenticity started to build on itself.
    I gradually began to feel less self-conscious around others and much more comfortable with myself. For the first time in my life I started to feel well and beautiful—and it showed. I saw it in the mirror. My husband noticed it in my body language. He said I carried myself differently, like I had more confidence and ease.
    If you're looking for ways to feel more at ease with yourself, start by honoring your body. I can't say enough on how important it is to celebrate your body. Every day I thank my body for all that it does, and I honor its needs through thirty- or forty-minute runs, long showers, flossing my teeth, and drinking lots of water.
    It helps to make a list of the things you need to do to take care of yourself so you feel healthy and grounded. Then, schedule them into your day. It's easier to feel good about who you are when you make your needs priorities.
    Along with running, creative writing has contributed greatly to my journey. It keeps my mind filled with positive thoughts, and so much of who I am comes out in the characters I write about. I also love to read, learn new things, and travel to different places, even if it's just to new areas or neighborhoods near my home. Doing what you love is an important step in loving who you are. What practices make you feel passionate and positive about the way you're living your life?
    Lastly, make an effort to maintain a healthy, happy spirit. Without inner peace, authenticity is fleeting. I meditate daily and do my best to live where peace is found—in the present moment. I also make a point of watching one or two funny movies every week. Nothing helps my spirit soar as much as laughter. It helps me see the world through younger eyes and reminds me that, no matter what, every moment contains hope and possibilities.
    Take time out to nurture your spirit, whether that means practicing yoga, walking on the beach, or simply relaxing. In order to be comfortable with yourself, you first need to be comfortable just being. And always keep in mind that finding your authenticity—finding yourself— will help you feel your beauty. When you endeavor to be who you are and be true to yourself, you will automatically feel attractive and unique.
TRANSFORMING JUDGMENTS INTO ACCEPTANCE, FOR OTHERS AND OURSELVES
    by Jarl Forsman
    If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people