The Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions of Self-Love

Abstract : Self-love, a concept often associated with personal well-being and inner peace, has garnered increasing attention in both psychological research and spiritual discourse. From a psychological standpoint, self-love involves the development of self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and a healthy self-concept, which contribute significantly to mental health and resilience. On the spiritual front, self-love is regarded as a foundational principle for inner awakening, compassion, and alignment with higher consciousness. This paper explores the intersection between psychological theories and spiritual teachings to offer a holistic understanding of self-love as a transformative practice. By examining frameworks such as self compassion, self-worth, and inner healing, alongside spiritual traditions that emphasize the soul’s journey toward unconditional love, this study highlights how self-love fosters emotional balance, self-realization, and a deeper connection with the self and the universe. Furthermore, the paper discusses how cultivating self-love can serve as a bridge between the psychological need for self-care and the spiritual path toward enlightenment and universal love. The aim is to present self-love not as a narcissistic trait, but as a necessary and empowering process that nurtures both psychological wholeness and spiritual growth.

Keyword: Self-love, self-compassion, psychological well-being, spiritual growth, emotional healing, inner awareness