Self-love is an essential part of an individual’s life. If you love yourself, you are less likely to go through anxiety and depression. Self-love also makes way for a more positive lifestyle and mindset.
This helps you gain success in life in general and be mentally healthy and vital. Loving yourself helps reduce stress levels, helps you focus better, and reduces procrastination.
Let’s have a look at the top 15 symbols of self-love below:
Table of Contents
1. Self-Hug
A self-hug is a powerful tool to curb anxiety and promote self-love in oneself. This technique is also called ‘havening’. Havening refers to caressing yourself or hugging yourself and boosting your morale with positive self-affirmations.
The havening technique uses self-soothing to induce a chemical reaction in one’s brain. This is known as ‘amygdala depotentiation’. This reaction restrains the emotional function of the brain, thus reducing anxiety.
No matter the root cause of anxiety, whether it is childhood trauma, a phobia, or general anxiety disorder, having one can help one relax. (1)
2. Lilac
Photo by Valeria Boltneva from Pexels
Flowers have long since been avid forms of expression. They have represented human characteristics since time immemorial. In ancient times, flowers were often linked to gods and goddesses. During the Renaissance period, artists used flowers to characterize attributes of deities.
During Victorian times the language of flowers was created to express one’s feelings and emotions. Lilac is a prominent flower that is one of the top 15 symbols of self-love. As lilacs are early flowering spring shrubs, they are an avid symbol of growth.
Lilacs represent a person’s growth from ignorance to a state of knowledge or from innocence to wisdom. (2)
3. Philautia
Image by mohamed_hassan from pixabay.com
Philautia is the concept of loving oneself to become a healthier individual. It is the spiritual aspect of self-love. A person’s happiness is a basic human necessity. This concept has both positive and negative connotations.
A healthy concept means that you take care of yourself or have self-compassion, whereas the negative concept means that you are self-obsessed and don’t care for anyone else except for yourself.
The positive philautia can be shown by creating a healthy environment for oneself. Also, spend time with those who like you and support you. [3]
4. Maple Leaf
Image by Nick115 from Pixabay
The maple leaf is a symbol of strength and endurance. Self-love is when you accept yourself for who you are. The maple leaf is the national symbol of Canada, and it is a crucial tree even in Celtic mythology.
This Tree can adapt to different soils and climates; therefore, it symbolizes balance, promise, generosity, intelligence and self-love. In Japan, it is called kito, which means that you are at peace with yourself. It also can be associated with serenity and calmness. [4]
5. The Tree of Life
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
The Tree of life is used to represent a person’s beauty and personal growth. A strong tree will have its branches upwards and will grow so that anyone can benefit from its shades and fruits.
This is why if we want to symbolize self-growth and love, then we use this symbol which states that as we grow and mature, our experiences and wisdom are not only beneficial to us but also to all who are around us.
As every Tree has its unique beauty and form in the same manner, every individual also poses his inner beauty, which makes him unique from others. [5]
6. Dragonfly
When a person grows up, they have to go through many transformations and changes in their life. A dragonfly represents such changes.
It symbolizes a person’s emotional maturity and the ability to understand himself so that they can self realize their ability which can benefit them in self-growth. It also teaches a person to enjoy being alive no matter what the circumstances are.
The Japanese mention dragonflies in their haiku poetry and represent the end of summer and the beginning of winter. [6] [7]
7. Phoenix
Image courtesy: needpix.com
The phoenix is a powerful symbol of transformation, rebirth, and growth. It is also a potent symbol of self-love. The Phoenix is a mythological creature that motivates people to remain steadfast during the most trying times of their lives and emerge victoriously.
As a phoenix regrows from the flames, it symbolizes a new self and new opportunities in one’s life. Hence, this symbolism applies to millions out there who are undergoing personal struggles or are powering through difficult periods of their life. (8)
8. Hawk
Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Animals have made intriguing symbols throughout history. The meaning and perceptions attached to different animals have avidly changed over time. Hawks are exciting birds and potent symbols of self-love.
They are one of the most courageous birds and represent self-awareness, truth, courage, and perspective. Hawks are primarily known for their wisdom and intuition. If you see a hawk, take some time out and reflect where you are in life and what your next plan of action is. (9)
9. SilverFish
Gregard Pallotta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Silverfish is an interesting symbol of self-love. The symbolic message silverfish gives is to live life to the fullest and with as much enthusiasm as possible.
If you face challenges and adversity, maintain a positive attitude, and you will overcome them. Silverfish symbolism also hints that one should be more decisive in life. One should stop fearing life and should stop procrastinating; instead, they should get things done. The Silverfish is also a symbol of longevity. (10)
10. Boar
Image Courtesy: pikrepo.com
Boars are highly symbolic animals. Boar’s symbolism can imply stopping procrastinating and moving on with life. One should not wait for things to happen. Instead, they should make things happen.
Assertiveness and positivity is the key to success. Boars prompt you to develop a head-on attitude towards uncomfortable situations. It is the only way one can gain clarity and resolve a situation. The boar is symbolic of facing your fears and finding peace. (11)
11. Cheetah
Mukul2u, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Cheetah totem has a high capacity for empathy. People with the Cheetah spirit animal quickly respond to empathy, suffering, and pain. If you have a dream with a Cheetah in it, it means you need to act.
You need to become more assertive and start getting things done. It means your problems cannot outrun you. A better strategy is to act and pursue your goals. (12)
12. Moose
Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Moose can be interpreted as a symbol of self-love. This is because the Moose symbolism lets you know that you and only you are responsible for making your life choices. No one can ever tell you what to do.
No matter how close you are to your family and friends, you never need to be pressured to make any choice. You live life on your terms. Symbolically the Moose tell us that your individuality is your strength.
13. Westie
Imoen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The West Highland White Terrier is a highly symbolic animal. The Westie symbolizes that you don’t forget to re-evaluate yourself time and time again. Keep growing and improving your self-esteem.
Symbolically, the Westie implies making sure you are whole yourself; you are loving and compassionate before you take the next step of your life. The crux of the message is that self-love is the essential step. (13)
14. Pink Feather
Martin Kopta, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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The color pink is symbolic of passion and love. If you see a pink feather, it means luck is on your side. Sighting a pink feather can also imply that a deeply fervent wish of yours is about to be fulfilled. When you sight the pink feather, it is the period that wishes might just be fulfilled. (14)
15. Butterfly
Image by Stergo from Pixabay
The Butterfly can also be symbolic of self-love. The most potent symbolism for butterflies is growth, changing for the better, self-development, and transformation. Butterflies imply growing, evolving, and becoming more mature.
Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, life’s experiences transform you into a more enlightened individual full of wisdom, maturity, and understanding. (15)
Summary
Self-love is an essential part of one’s life. People need to realize that they are important, special, and deserving of all things fabulous.
Which of these top 15 symbols of self-love were you already aware of? Let us know in the comments below.
See Also: Top 9 Flowers That Symbolize Self-Love
References
- https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/havening-technique-self-hugging-anxiety/
- https://www.gardenguides.com/13426233-flowers-that-symbolize-change.html
- https://www.ftd.com/blog/give/types-of-love
- https://classroom.synonym.com/the-symbolism-of-the-japanese-maple-tree-12081380.html
- https://ishka.com.au/blogs/spirit/tree-of-life-symbolism#:~:text=The%20Tree%20of%20Life%20symbol%20represents%20our%20personal%20development%2C%20uniqueness,as%20we%20move%20through%20life.
- https://lisbdnet.com/what-animal-symbolizes-growth-and-progress/#:~:text=In%20almost%20every%20part%20of,adaptability%2C%20and%20self%2Drealization.
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/brand-post/the-meaning-of-dragonfly/story-49iDbUXmhAppRXeVs4krjJ.html
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/tattoos-that-symbolize-growth/
- https://skullbliss.com/blogs/news/animal-symbolism
- https://www.spirit-animals.com/silverfish-symbolism/
- https://www.spirit-animals.com/boar-symbolism/
- https://www.spirit-animals.com/cheetah-symbolism/
- https://www.spirit-animals.com/westie-symbolism/
- https://www.karinacollins.ie/pink-feather-meaning/
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/tattoos-that-symbolize-growth/