The end of last month was especially heartbreaking for me and the staff at Gates of Power. We learned of the tragic news of the beloved singer and song writer, Amy Winehouse's death, as many of you did. And it was the words of her hit song "Rehab" that struck us as a poignant demonstration of how she and so many we encounter miss the most vital ingredient need for true rehabilitation - a transformation of the heart.

The greatest tragedy of Amy rested not only in her unfortunate and premature passing. What makes her young tourmented life, and ultimately, her death, so tremendously unfortunate, is that both were the result of a soul devoid of authentic and lasting self love. Had she gone to rehabilitation for substance abuse, yes, she may have had a fighting chance at a better, longer life. But rehab without support, rehab stripped of self identity, appreciation, and love, is just a faux trapping of an empty being. Such rehabilitation doesn't last. What so many in her position require is a rehabilitation of the soul, a self embrace and gentle pat on the back of their depleted spirit -- taking small steps to self-love rehab.

Most of us find it somewhat uncomfortable to express love and appreciation for ourselves. We were raised to believe that loving ourselves is selfish.   The majority of people alive today grew up with parents who were not aware of the power of self love. Other ideals, such as hard work, material success, and education were emphasized. While these were important to convey, the notion of loving self was omitted, as it was completely foreign to past generations.

This misplaced focus formed a lack of self worth and underdeveloped self-nurturing skills. The truth is that when you do not truly love and appreciate yourself, you are unable to wholeheartedly accept the gifts of life like, happiness, loving relationships, and even abundance and prosperity.  Learning to love yourself is the foundation of all inner work. Such love is the door that allows all dreams and goals to manifest and enter.

Your ability to love another person is obviously dependant on loving one's self. It is thus, why loving yourself is not selfish. You become "self-full" - your cup runs over with love, which allows you to effortlessly share love with others.

-- Nomi

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