Unconditional Love: So Sweet It IS

A famous humanistic theorist, Carol Rogers spoke of this concept called, "Unconditional Positive Regard". This concept centers on ones ability to accept another person completely without judgement and without conditions. 

Unconditional Positive Regard promotes a supportive accepting heart for each person. When we invite others to be completely free with their thoughts and actions, it can open them up to a more authentic way of being. This complete acceptance allows for great expansion, growth and a renewed sense of inner self-confidence. Those useless concepts of being criticized, judged, and failing are completely lost and total acceptance becomes the way. 

Take a moment now and focus on a judgment you may have of yourself or another person. Really take in how this feels on all levels of your being. How does it feel in your body, in your heart, and your mind? How does it make your spirit and soul feel? Take a moment now and reverse that way of being. Focus on completely accepting this situation and embracing it with love and acceptance. It can be helpful to use the "inner child" exercise for this loving embracing and accepting way of being. Simply envision yourself or the other person as a young child, say 6 years old or whatever age that comes to you.
 Approach this situation with the same kind gentle heart you would use to comfort and engage with this child. Now ask yourself how this loving, accepting, and unconditional approach feels in your mind, body, spirit, heart and soul? Does it give you a greater sense of ease? 

Letting go of judgments of yourself and others can be a challenge. However, I invite you to try out this concept of "Unconditional Positive Regard". When we accept others completely, we can accept ourselves more completely, thus inviting authenticity for all those around. And you might just find a little more lightness and feelings of freedom in your heart. 

I've found this can also lead you to feel a greater sense of peace with the past, present and future. It can lead you to a place of peace of what was, as the past happened just the way it was meant to and provided the lessons necessary for your growth. It can provide a sense of peace with what is, allowing for the present moment to arise without expectations. Finally, it can provide a sense of peace of what will be by letting the future unfold the way it is meant to without the need for prediction. 

I hope this unconditional positive regard will support a free flow of acceptance of each moment with an inspired open heart. 

Much love!

~ Liz Myers, MA Rooted Living Wellness Coach 

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