The Blog by Nina Lukisa

THE WAY YOU TREAT YOURSELF SETS THE STANDARDS FOR OTHERS

"This painting invites you to take a moment and reflect. At first glance, you might see what appears to be a couple—two figures entwined in a close embrace, embodying the intimacy and warmth of family. But look a little deeper, and these figures could represent something much more abstract—different dimensions of our inner emotions and energies. Just as like attracts like, the energy we carry within ourselves resonates with the energy we encounter in the world around us. The true beauty of this piece lies in its ambiguity, encouraging each viewer to explore their own interpretations and understand how their personal frequencies and perceptions shape what they see on the canvas."

There is a profound truth in the saying: “The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.” This is the message I wanted to capture in my painting. The artwork is a visual exploration of self-awareness, self-love, and the energy we radiate out into the world. How we treat ourselves doesn’t just influence our own well-being; it sets the tone for how others interact with us.

The essence of this painting is about integrity—being true to yourself and standing firm in your own values and boundaries, regardless of external expectations. It’s about cultivating a sense of self-respect and self-love that becomes a beacon for others. When we treat ourselves with kindness, compassion, and respect, we emit a frequency that others can sense. We teach people how to treat us through our own example, and this is where the power of self-awareness comes into play.

In German, there’s a saying: “What you call into the forest is what echoes back.” This captures the idea that the energy we send out into the world is often reflected back to us. If we approach life with self-respect and positivity, we are more likely to attract similar energies in return. Conversely, if we constantly put ourselves down or compromise our values, we may find ourselves surrounded by people who do the same.

Gregg Braden, a renowned author and researcher, touches on this in his work on the power of the heart and mind. He suggests, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” This speaks directly to the core of the painting’s message. Our inner world shapes our outer reality, and by shifting our perspective and treating ourselves with greater care, we can transform the way the world responds to us.

This concept is figuratively illustrated in the painting. The intertwined figures symbolize the tension between our inner and outer worlds. They are a reflection of how our internal state—our thoughts, feelings, and self-perception—manifests in the relationships and environments we find ourselves in. The connection between these figures can be seen as the harmony (or sometimes the discord) between our self-love and the love we receive from others.

What do you see in this painting? A family, a couple, or perhaps the interplay of your own emotions? This ambiguity is intentional. It’s meant to provoke thought about the energies and frequencies we choose to resonate with. Are you aligning yourself with self-compassion, or are you caught up in a cycle of self-criticism and doubt?

The painting serves as a reminder that we are constantly setting the stage for how we are treated by others. If we neglect our own needs or push ourselves to meet unrealistic expectations—whether our own or others’—we are likely to find ourselves in relationships and situations that mirror that imbalance. But when we honor our true selves, acknowledge our worth, and treat ourselves with the care we deserve, we create a space for healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Just as the figures in the painting appear to be holding each other, we must hold ourselves gently, with patience and understanding. The energy we radiate is a direct result of the relationship we have with ourselves. When we nurture this inner relationship, we naturally begin to attract people and experiences that resonate with this higher frequency.

So, take a moment to consider: How are you treating yourself today? What standards are you setting for those around you by the way you talk to yourself, care for yourself, and value your own well-being? "The Way You Treat Yourself Sets the Standard for Others" is more than just a painting—it’s a call to self-reflection, a visual reminder to cultivate self-love and integrity. The energy you radiate is powerful, and it’s up to you to decide what kind of echo you want to hear in return.

Love, peace & light,
Nina Lukisa


*Braden, G. (2008). The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits (p. 42). Hay House.
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