But in life, everything has its polarity. When I lost my mom, the idea of gain felt not just impossible, but cruel. What could I possibly gain from her absence? How could anything good come from a life no longer lived?

Yet, this past year, I’ve seen my mother in ways I never did before. She’s in every part of my life, nudging her way in: whispering her thoughts, stirring old memories, making her presence known. Sometimes, I catch a whiff of her perfume. Sometimes, I feel her energy settle into a room. And sometimes, as crazy as it sounds, when I’m stuck between choices, I see her face, tilting me toward one. Maybe it’s her. Maybe it’s what she stood for: motherhood, guidance, clarity. Either way, she’s there.

I’ve always second-guessed myself. My boyfriend calls me the “queen of overthinking.” Every decision is dissected, every possibility analyzed. I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember. with thoughts looping, tangling, unraveling, only to start again.

Trust has been my lesson these past few months. Trusting the unknown. Trusting myself. And when she appears, when I feel her presence, it’s like a quiet confirmation. A reminder that I’m exactly where I need to be. Because if I weren’t, she wouldn’t be here.

So how does she work for me? What does she do behind the scenes? A familiar scent, a passing thought — these are reminders, but is there more?

I imagine her on the sidelines. I’m not a sports person, but I see her in the audience of my life, nodding when I make the right choices, laughing at my jokes, crying when I cry. She works through the unexpected blessings. Like when I applied to a modeling agency despite having Erb’s Palsy, remembering her words: “Learn to love your arm, because I won’t always be here to remind you.” She works when I’m in a dark mood, and a memory of her lifts me. She works by letting love move through me, not against me.

She’s here, every day. And for those who don’t believe our loved ones exist beyond death, let me tell you this: what she represented will always outlast her. She was guidance, creativity, love, and clarity. Clarity that things are unfolding as they should. Clarity that we are always supported. Clarity that love never really leaves. Not in this world, and not in the next.

1. The Archetypes Within:

At the heart of Jungian theory lies the concept of archetypes—universal symbols and themes residing in the collective unconscious. Within the realm of self-love, we come face to face with various archetypes, each representing different aspects of our personality—the Hero, the Shadow, etc . Embracing these archetypes means acknowledging the diverse characters within our internal narrative, which reflects the parts of us that we try to hide, ignore, or don’t consciously realize are there. Embracing this fosters a deeper understanding and acceptance of our multifaceted selves.

2. Embracing the Shadow:

Central to Jung’s philosophy is the integration of the Shadow—the concealed, darker aspects of our identity. The journey of self-love requires us to confront and embrace these hidden facets, recognizing that true love for oneself involves accepting both the light and the shadow within. By doing so, we lay the foundation for a more authentic and holistic sense of self-love.

3. The Path of Individuation:

The exploration of the Self Love journey is not a static affair; it’s a dynamic process of individuation. Jung proposed that as we delve into and integrate various aspects of our psyche, we move closer to becoming our authentic selves. In this journey, self-love flourishes not from an idealized version of ourselves but from an acceptance of our genuine identity.

4. Nurturing Conscious Connection with the Psyche:

To cultivate self-love, Jungian psychology urges the development of a conscious relationship with the psyche. This involves ongoing self-reflection, introspection, and a continuous dialogue with the different parts of ourselves. The quest for self-love becomes a space for contemplation, an active engagement in understanding and nurturing our relationship with our own psyche.

In the light of Jungian principles, self-love is not a fixed destination but a continuous exploration—an unearthing of treasures hidden within. By acknowledging archetypes, integrating the shadow, and traversing the path of individuation, we pave the way for a profound and enduring love that encompasses the entirety of our beautifully complex existence.

2. List three things in your life that you’re genuinely grateful for. Consider the people, experiences, or aspects of nature that enrich your existence. How can you deepen your connection to these sources of gratitude and use them to foster a stronger sense of spirituality and interconnectedness?

3. Write about a recent mistake or imperfection you’ve encountered. Instead of dwelling on any negative feelings, approach it with kindness, curiosity, and mercy. How can this imperfection be reframed as an opportunity for growth and learning? How might embracing imperfections lead to a more spiritually fulfilling journey?

5. Nature & God’s Wisdom: Spend some time outdoors, observing the natural world around you. Notice the intricate balance, cycles, and beauty in even the smallest details. How does being in nature make you feel? What lessons can you draw from the natural world to guide your spiritual perspective and enhance your understanding of life’s interconnectedness?