How often do you find yourself standing in front of the mirror, noticing every little flaw? Or catching your reflection and thinking, “I’m not enough,”? So many of us spend years in a cycle of self-criticism, hoping it will somehow push us to feel better, look better, or be better. But as Louise Hay so wisely said, “You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” 💖
Here’s the truth: Criticism doesn’t bring you closer to the beauty or happiness you’re seeking. In fact, it pulls you further away. True beauty comes from within, from the way we treat ourselves, think about ourselves, and yes—breathe into the space where we can find self-acceptance.
In this post, we’ll explore how breathing and self-approval can be transformative practices for reconnecting with your body and mind, and letting your natural beauty shine.
1. The Cycle of Criticism and Why It Doesn’t Work
We’ve been conditioned to believe that beauty means perfection. Flawless skin, the ideal body, the perfect smile. But this constant chase for perfection leads to a never-ending loop of self-criticism. We’re always thinking, “If only I could fix this one thing about myself, I’d be happier.” But does that ever really happen?
The problem with self-criticism is that it doesn’t solve anything. Instead, it keeps us stuck in negative thought patterns, preventing us from seeing the beauty that’s already within us. Criticism blocks our ability to truly connect with ourselves—it keeps us in a state of tension, constantly striving for something that feels just out of reach.
The truth is, the more we focus on what we think is wrong with ourselves, the more disconnected we become from our inner beauty. What we really need is a way to reset this thinking and reconnect with the present moment.
2. Breathing as a Reset Button: Coming Back to Your Body
Here’s where the magic of breathing comes in. When we’re caught in self-critical thoughts, our breath tends to be shallow and tight, which only reinforces stress and tension in our bodies. But when we slow down and take a deep breath, we immediately signal to our mind and body that it’s time to reset. 🌬️
Breathing deeply creates space to pause and reflect, to soften the harsh self-talk and return to a place of calm. It’s in these moments of mindful breathing that we can begin to connect with ourselves—our bodies, our feelings, and our inner beauty.
The next time you catch yourself in a spiral of self-criticism, take a moment to stop and breathe. Close your eyes, take a deep inhale, and feel the breath filling your body, softening the tightness. Then, exhale slowly, releasing the tension in your mind and body. This simple act of mindful breathing helps you reset and reconnect to the present moment, where self-acceptance can grow.
3. How Self-Approval Changes Everything
When we shift from criticizing ourselves to approving of ourselves, something amazing happens. We stop fighting against our own reflection and start embracing it.
Self-approval doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It means acknowledging where you are right now, with kindness and compassion. It’s about saying, “I am enough, just as I am,” and meaning it. When you approve of yourself, you create space for beauty to emerge naturally, without the need for force or harsh judgment.
This shift in mindset isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about tapping into your body’s natural wisdom. When you treat yourself with kindness, your body responds. Your breath deepens, your muscles relax, and your skin softens. That inner calm becomes a reflection of the beauty you see in the mirror.
4. Daily Practices to Cultivate Self-Approval and Inner Beauty
Moving from self-criticism to self-approval isn’t an overnight transformation, but with mindful daily practices, it becomes easier over time. Here are a few simple rituals to help you cultivate self-approval and reconnect with your beauty through mindful breathing and presence:
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The Mirror Reset with Breath:
Every time you look in the mirror, take a moment to breathe deeply. Instead of immediately focusing on what you don’t like, soften your gaze. Take a slow inhale, and as you exhale, silently say to yourself: “I see beauty in me.” Notice how your body feels when you shift from judgment to approval. It’s a powerful practice to rewire your thoughts and calm your inner critic. -
Mindful Breathing During Self-Care:
The next time you’re applying your skincare or doing your hair, turn this routine into a mindful, breathing practice. As you gently massage your face or comb through your hair, take deep, mindful breaths. Imagine each breath as an act of nurturing and self-love. Feel the texture of your skin, the softness of your touch, and use this time to connect deeply with your body. -
Gratitude and Breath Meditation:
At the end of the day, sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. As you breathe in, think of something you’re grateful for about your body—maybe it’s your strength, your resilience, or the way your skin felt in the sunlight that day. With each exhale, release any tension or negative thoughts. Allow this meditation to fill you with a sense of calm appreciation for your body as it is.
5. The Beauty of Breathing Into Self-Approval
When you stop criticizing and start approving of yourself, you don’t just change the way you see yourself—you change the energy you bring into your life. Breathing deeply into moments of self-approval creates a ripple effect: your mind softens, your heart opens, and your inner beauty shines.
Over time, self-approval becomes a habit. You’ll notice that when you breathe deeply and connect to yourself, your body relaxes, your posture improves, and your confidence grows. This inner shift reflects outwardly in ways that no amount of external beauty products ever could.
6. Why Breathing and Self-Approval Go Hand-in-Hand
Breathing is the most natural and simple way to connect to your body. It’s always available, and it’s a powerful tool for resetting negative thought patterns. When you’re deep in self-criticism, your breath can feel tight and shallow, reinforcing the stress. But when you slow down and breathe deeply, you invite calm and acceptance into your life.
Approving of yourself requires space—space to pause, reflect, and shift your mindset. Breathing is what creates that space. It allows you to step out of your head and into your body, where real transformation happens. The more you practice mindful breathing, the easier it becomes to switch from criticism to self-approval.
7. A Gentle Reminder for Your Journey
The journey from self-criticism to self-approval is not about perfection. It’s about learning to be kind to yourself, to breathe through the difficult moments, and to trust that beauty grows from within.
Next time you catch yourself being critical, pause and take a deep breath. Allow yourself to reset. Feel the tension leave your body with every exhale, and give yourself permission to approve of who you are, right now, as you are.
True beauty isn’t found in perfection—it’s found in moments of self-compassion, mindful breathing, and deep connection to yourself. And with each breath, you move closer to embracing your inner glow.
Louise Hay’s wisdom reminds us that criticizing ourselves hasn’t worked, and it never will. But when we breathe deeply, reset, and choose self-approval, everything changes. We reconnect with our bodies, soften our thoughts, and open ourselves to the natural beauty within us.
So today, let go of the self-criticism and take a deep, calming breath. Approve of yourself, celebrate your uniqueness, and see how your beauty blooms when you give yourself space to breathe and be.
Call to Action:
What’s one small way you can approve of yourself today? Start with a deep breath and let self-approval guide your journey. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and let’s breathe into beauty together. 🌿
