Unlearning Societal Narratives: Rediscovering Love Within

I’m not sure where to start. How to explain the truth in Martin Luther King Jr’s statement, “hate begets hate, love begets love”?

The material world tells us, the one of our making says we are not enough, it says, “strive” for in striving, you’ll achieve, and you must achieve for without achievement you are nothing.

Yet, the spiritual world, one not of our making but ever present says, “be” for in being you’ll remember all that you are - inherently loved, love itself. And in that being, in that love, we shed all that the material world has taught us.

For a long time I've advocated for learning how to love yourself but as of recently I’ve learned that this is incorrect.

We do not need to learn how to love ourselves rather we must remember how to love ourselves.

The material world is threatened by self-love and why wouldn’t it be? Our feelings of lack drive consumerism and maintain the status quo of the powers that be. These narratives ensure we always buy buy buy to fill the emptiness we’ve been told is inherent within us.

Only, we are not empty, but overflowing, and it is our soul purpose to remember that we are infinite, abundant, radiant in the love that we are, share, and emanate.

So how do we remember? First, we must unlearn.

Unlearning requires a willingness to challenge narratives both social and personal that our bodies immediately recognize as false but our minds, having been shaped by this material world, feel inclined to believe.

To unlearn means we follow our feelings and sometimes our feelings require some excavation to ensure they are in fact how we feel, not how the mind tells us to feel based on past circumstances.

To continue the steps for unlearning social narratives and understanding Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement, "hate begets hate, love begets love," consider the following:

Step 1: Cultivate self-awareness

Unlearning begins with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on the narratives you've internalized about yourself, your worth, and your relationships with others. Notice any patterns of negative self-talk or beliefs that stem from societal conditioning.

Step 2: Question the narratives

Question the narratives you've accepted without conscious examination. Challenge the messages of lack, striving, and achievement defining your worth. Ask yourself if these beliefs align with your true values and essence.

Step 3: Embrace self-compassion

Replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Recognize that you are not alone in being influenced by these narratives, as they are widespread in society. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend who is going through a challenging time.

Step 4: Practice mindfulness and meditation

Engage in mindfulness practices and meditation to connect with your inner self and cultivate a deeper understanding of your feelings and emotions. This helps in differentiating between genuine emotions and those influenced by societal narratives.

Step 5: Surround yourself with positive influences

Spend time with people who uplift and support you in your journey of unlearning. Seek out communities that prioritize love, acceptance, and authenticity over materialistic pursuits.

Step 6: Read and educate yourself

Read books, articles, and watch documentaries that shed light on the impact of social narratives and how they shape our beliefs and behaviors. Educating yourself will strengthen your ability to critically analyze and challenge these narratives.

Step 7: Practice empathy and understanding

Extend empathy and understanding not only to yourself but to others as well. Recognize that everyone is navigating through the influence of social narratives, and practicing empathy can foster compassion and connection.

Step 8: Replace hate with love

Returning to Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement, "hate begets hate, love begets love," strive to embody love in your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. Recognize that love starts from within and spreads outward to create positive change in the world.

Step 9: Express gratitude

Gratitude can help shift your focus from feelings of lack to abundance. Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the love and positive aspects in your life, fostering a sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Step 10: Be patient with the process

Unlearning social narratives is a journey that requires time and patience. Be gentle with yourself during this process, understanding that it may take time to release deeply ingrained beliefs and embrace a more authentic and loving version of yourself.

Remember that unlearning and rediscovering self-love is a continuous process. Stay open to growth, remain curious about your true nature, and celebrate the progress you make along the way.