I Love You

Almost everyone has issues around self-love and self-worth, and the author of this interesting study is no exception. The difference is that he researched biological and psychological insights in order to produce a helpful guide for the rest of us. Although we are biologically wired to seek connection with others, this can easily become a desire to please at any cost. He characterises four stages of self-love: I'm not enough, I've had enough, I am enough, and finally I am. Many of these patterns come from interaction with parents, who themselves have acquired these patterns from their parents - often including blame and shame. The good news is that we can change these patterns through bodily practices and visualisations, many of which are detailed in this book. We all want to be liked, but should not at the same time compromise our integrity and authenticity. Many issues, especially for women, arise around body image. Hamilton shows how there can be power in vulnerability and how self-compassion is an important antidote to self-criticism. He gives guidance on forgiveness and on getting to grips with one's life by leaving our comfort zones. Ultimately, he argues, we are in fact made of love - the fourth stage of I Am that enables us to come from authentic depth. Reading this informative book is one thing, but practising its exercises is another and essential if the reader is to embed and embody the information.