Selfish, self-absorbed, narcissistic. Those are some words that might come to mind when you start talking about serving yourself. Indeed, when you proceed down the path of personal development or introspection about spirituality, you may seem to go deeper and deeper into yourself to the exclusion of the world aroung you. So how does serving yourself serve others?

An Example

For starters, when you change people start to notice that change. You may smile more, or lose weight, or be a more loving spouse. You begin to teach people, not by spouting out what you learned in a book, but through the example of your life.

Greater Capacity

In September last year, I committed to talk about spirituality on this blog. As time goes on, more and more visitors come by to gain insight into spirituality. Those visitors become readers and the readers become friends. I am very grateful for every one of you.

I noticed very soon that as the site got more popular, I needed to step up my game - online and offline. I’m starting with really working on my weight. I want to have the energy that it takes to be agile and clear. When I don’t have that energy, I’m lethargic and it eventually shows up in my post.

As you become healthier, or improve your relationships, or get more organized, you will have a greater ability to give to the world. You will feel nourished and you will be able to give from excess, not tap into your reserves. Life feels effortless, and smooth.

Oneness

On an existential level, as you become healthier, more loving, more centered, you contribute to a consciousness of radiance, love, and peace. You raise your vibration or your level of living, and the world around you increases its vibration to match yours.

Service to self and service to others are not on opposite ends of a linear spectrum. They are threads woven in the tapestry of life. They are both needed to make life colorful and strong.

In Spirit,
Nneka