Authors: David Hamilton
Praise for
I ⥠Me
:
âI knew I was going to like Dr David Hamilton the first time I met him at an I Can Do It! conference in London. Not only does he regularly engage in victory dancing, one of my all-time favourite activities, but he's a pedigreed scientist with actual evidence that kindness, striking poses and loving yourself is good for the planet. Plus, his story about Dove deodorant falling from the sky is one of my all-time favorite manifestation stories. I was lucky enough to preview an early copy of this wise and wonderful book. And I have but one thing to say: “Why is this not required reading? Why is this not the first book we're handed in life?” It definitely should be.'
P
AM
G
ROUT
,
NY T
IMES
BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF 17 BOOKS INCLUDING
E-S
QUARED
AND
E-C
UBED
âGive yourself the gift of self-love and read this inspiring book.'
R
OBERT
H
OLDEN
P
H
D,
AUTHOR OF
S
HIFT
H
APPENS
!
AND
L
OVEABILITY
âFeeling unable to be kind to ourselves is an issue for so many - and often the cause of our physical and emotional health issues. David's wise, personal and practical guide to regaining our innate ability to experience self-compassion is such a gift for anyone wanting to move their life and health onwards. I love it.'
P
HIL
P
ARKER, EXPERT IN THE PSYCHOLOGY OF HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND GENIUS, INVENTOR OF
T
HE
L
IGHTNING
P
ROCESS
®
âDavid's beautiful book has been written from his heart and holds within it the power to return you to yours. Just like David, the guidance shared is genuine, honest and real, and if you want to learn how to love yourself more then I wholeheartedly recommend reading his wise words.'
S
ANDY
C. N
EWBIGGING, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF
M
IND
C
ALM
âDavid has lived every step of this book, which is packed with illuminating science, warm anecdotes and easy-to-apply techniques. His heart and soul shine through every page and the world will be richer for it.'
A
NDREA
G
ARDNER, AUTHOR OF
C
HANGE
Y
OUR
W
ORDS
, C
HANGE
Y
OUR
W
ORLD
âI LOVE this book, and especially how David weaves science, personal insights and practical ways to feel good about yourself with such an open heart. Get ready to feel nourished and uplifted as you embark upon a wonderful journey of self-love and healing.'
A
LISOUN
M
ACKENZIE, AUTHOR OF
H
EARTATUDE
: T
HE
9 P
RINCIPLES OF
H
EART
-C
ENTERED
S
UCCESS
âThe greatest gift you can give the world is to be at peace with yourself, and self-love is fundamental to that peace. David's book is a wonderful contribution to understanding how you can release learned emotional patterns and allow your natural self-love and compassion to surface. Read it to be inspired, moved and transformed. Thank you, David.'
N
ICK
W
ILLIAMS, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF
T
HE
W
ORK
W
E
W
ERE
B
ORN
T
O
D
O
First published and distributed in the United Kingdom by:
Hay House UK Ltd, Astley House, 33 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JQ
Tel: +44 (0)20 3675 2450; Fax: +44 (0)20 3675 2451;
www.hayhouse.co.uk
Published and distributed in the United States of America by:
Hay House Inc., PO Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
Tel: (1) 760 431 7695 or (800) 654 5126
Fax: (1) 760 431 6948 or (800) 650 5115;
www.hayhouse.com
Published and distributed in Australia by:
Hay House Australia Ltd, 18/36 Ralph St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Tel: (61) 2 9669 4299; Fax: (61) 2 9669 4144;
www.hayhouse.com.au
Published and distributed in the Republic of South Africa by:
Hay House SA (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 990, Witkoppen 2068
Tel/Fax: (27) 11 467 8904;
www.hayhouse.co.za
Published and distributed in India by:
Hay House Publishers India, Muskaan Complex, Plot No.3, B-2,
Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110 070
Tel: (91) 11 4176 1620; Fax: (91) 11 4176 1630;
www.hayhouse.co.in
Distributed in Canada by:
Raincoast Books, 2440 Viking Way, Richmond, B.C. V6V 1N2
Tel: (1) 604 448 7100; Fax: (1) 604 270 7161;
www.raincoast.com
Text © David Hamilton, 2015
The moral rights of the author have been asserted.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or otherwise be copied for public or private use, other than for âfair use' as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews, without prior written permission of the publisher.
The information given in this book should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice; always consult a medical practitioner. Any use of information in this book is at the reader's discretion and risk. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any loss, claim or damage arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made, the failure to take medical advice or for any material on third party websites.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 978-1-78180-184-0 in print
ISBN 978-1-78180-219-9 in Mobipocket format
ISBN 978-1-78180-220-5 in ePub format
To Oscar
Contents
Chapter 1: The Three Stages of Self-Love
How We Learn to Question Our Worth
Chapter 3: How to Use Your Body to Change How You Feel
The Four Components of Emotion
Fake It and You'll Make It: The Harvard Power Pose
How We Function is Affected by How We Hold Our Body. Fact!
Stand as Though You're Enough and Wire Your Brain Networks
The Three Rules of Mental Practice
âYou Can F**k Your Decimals!'
Chapter 5: Does It Matter If People Like You?
Why We Shouldn't Compromise Our Authenticity
Four Steps to Shame Resilience
We Can Be
Enough
without Needing to be Perfect
Go Out and Connect as Yourself
Four Steps to Feeling Better about Your Body Image
Open Up, Let Your Guard Down and Let the Magic In
Chapter 9: The Law of Personal Gravity
Self-Compassion Strategy 1: Swap a Thought
Self-Compassion Strategy 2: Do the Loving-Kindness Meditation
Self-Compassion Strategy 3: Listen to Your Inner Buddha
Self-Compassion Strategy 4: Strike a Compassion Pose
Chapter 12: What Are You Doing for Yourself?
What Do You Want? What Do You Need?
Take Your Life by the Scruff of the Neck
Why It's Not Selfish to Look after Your Own Needs
Chapter 13: Step Up and Step Out
Chapter 14: The Fourth Stage of Self-Love
Endnote: Because You're Worth It
How Much Are You Like Your Parents?
How Did Your Self-Worth Issues Arise?
How to Be a Self-Love Olympian
Convince Me That Opinions Are Subjective and Change