This loving kindness must be extended to include ourselves. Most people are more critical of themselves than of others, and the damage such criticism can do is severe. The messages we give ourselves about ourselves are like post-hypnotic commands that our subconscious does its best to obey. You may know that if you tell a child over and over again that it is stupid, clumsy, worthless, etc., the child will unconsciously strive to obey by becoming stupid, clumsy, worthless, etc. The same is true of one's own subconscious.
Amethysts strive to love themselves.
Only by succeeding in that can we free ourselves to truly love, and accept love from, others. Reproduction and distribution specifically prohibited. All rights reserved. Melisa Michaels is the author of the science fiction novels Skirmish , First Battle , Last War , Pirate Prince , Floater Factor , and Far Harbor , the fantasy novels Cold Iron and Sister to the Rain , and the mystery novel Through the Eyes of the Dead.