Butterfly Love

This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences on their own path to recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, or symptom use. Please use your own discretion. And speak with your therapist when needed.

By Alexandra Miles, a former Emily Program client in recovery

As I feel the intense heat of change, transformation, and growth within my inner workings, the land reminds me of my greater purpose and the greater whole. As I watch the summer flowers wither away and the birds flying south, I am reminded of my own rhythms and I start to remember why I am here.

As I feel the intense heat of change, transformation, and growth within my inner workings, the land reminds me of my greater purpose and the greater whole. As I watch the summer flowers wither away and the birds flying south, I am reminded of my own rhythms and I start to remember why I am here.

August 7, 2009

Dear Diary,

A beautiful pink butterfly began to emerge from my heart during deep meditation. The enormous butterfly was exquisitely detailed and radiant with massive pink and silver iridescent wings. Her thick feet were strong and grounded. Her green eyes glowed with deep strength, and she came to me for a specific purpose.

Years later I realized that this beautiful pink butterfly was my soul essence. She came to me at a specific time to guide me home to her unconditional love. I have been on a journey of awakening to her since that mediation. Because of her, I have learned it is possible to truly heal and find unconditional love for oneself.

Butterfly love is unconditional, nonjudgmental, pure, radiant love. Learning to love oneself as a butterfly loves is a process of transforming like a caterpillar transforms and transcends from a dark cocoon. To begin the process of self-love, you must become aware of the subtle, subconscious, subliminal judgments happening within and around you. Most judgments and fears are subconscious, and as we become aware of negative thought patterns and beliefs, we allow those thoughts to gently take a back seat while the heart steps forward. Bring love and light from your heart to your negative situations. As you become aware of your subconscious patterns, they will come into the light for healing.

One can love his or herself as the butterfly loves through practice, dedication, and patience. It is possible! The human butterfly state is real and reachable for ALL. Just remember butterfly love is a process that takes time. A caterpillar does not transform in one day. Here are a few things that have helped me on my journey of learning self-love, self-acceptance, and self-nurturance: writing in a self-love journal where I listed things I adore and appreciate about myself, keeping a gratitude journal, putting my hands on my heart, and tapping rhythmically to the words “I am enough,” giving myself permission to make mistakes, remembering that self-love is a lifetime journey, and learning unconditional love from animals and nature.

Tips and advice for this month:

• Make time to spend in nature and watch the butterflies and birds – they are wonderful teachers of unconditional love.
• Create a self-love journal that you absolutely adore. Either treat yourself to one that lights you up or make one yourself. Spend five minutes every day describing what you appreciate about yourself.
• Put one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly when you wake in the morning and say, “Today, I will love you the best I can.”

Loving the self begins with never ever criticizing ourselves for anything. – Lousie Hay

Blog post by Alexandra Mika Miles. Alexandra is a survivor of anorexia, asthma, severe anxiety, and chronic pneumonia. Through her own personal healing journey, she dedicated her life to living in alignment with her heart. Today she smiles often, rides her horse, paints, writes, teaches yoga, and has her own healing practice. She is in the process of publishing her book, The Beauty of Wings, a personal healing memoir.