Revolutionary Self-Love

As the wheel of the year turns and winter envelops us, it’s natural to turn inward and examine ourselves. Especially when the world around us may be in chaos, we look for ways to restore ourselves and take the time to heal and grow. We cannot pour from an empty cup. There are many dimensions to self-care, and during our practices of self compassion, mindfulness, and self acceptance, we begin to unearth ourselves.

Part of the journey is waking up from all the internalized oppression that tells us we aren’t pretty enough as we are, that we aren’t strong enough, that we are too loud, or too dark. We are not our thoughts. We must retrain ourselves to accept our bodies, to embrace nuestra cultura y lengua, and to unapologetically take actions of joy within our bodies. When we are able to do that, we can have collective compassion. This is where we could really see radical self-love. It not only transforms who we are, but directly impacts how we treat others. 

Find the things that bring you joy and do it with self-love. That is how we can heal and liberate as a collective. Finding joy IS an act of resistance against the systems that try to oppress us. So get up and perrea like no one is watching, find your wings, and become a walking revolution. Step into your power and ask how will you love yourself today?

Recommended Reads :

The Body Is Not An Apology by: Sonya Renee Taylor

Self-Care for Latinas by: Raquel Reichard

Mariposa & Guerrera by: Kim Guerra

The Altar Within by: Juliet Diaz

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Marie Brown

Cicely Tyson’s Memoir

All About Love by Bell Hooks

For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges & Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez

I Am Diosa by: Christine Gutierrez

Earth Medicines: Ancestral Wisdom, Healing Recipes, and Wellness Rituals from a Curandera by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz