Goddess energy can be hard to define, but every woman feels it in some form or another. It’s the confidence you feel when you walk into a room and all eyes are on you; it’s the calm you feel when you witness an act of kindness; it’s the love that radiates from your heart when you are holding your child close to yours. The love goddess energy represents is unconditional, everlasting, and ever-present. It has been there since the beginning of time and will continue to exist long after we are gone. Here are five pillars of goddess energy you can use to elevate your feminine vibe and express yourself as the empowered woman you are.

1) Love Yourself

Love yourself, as that is your key into opening up your body and spirit for a deeper connection with divine feminine energy. The divine feminine is about healing love in our bodies; she is a nurturing healer who guides us to becoming self-reliant through service. Divine feminine energy is unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, caring, abundant joys, overflowing happiness. Love yourself deeply so you can be open to feel her energies fully. And don’t forget that allowing others in our lives to hurt us or mistreat us shuts out her light too. Only true unconditional love will allow you to realize your spiritual potentials! Use loving intentions towards all in your life every day — it feels good! In fact, if you can learn to truly love yourself unconditionally, then and only then are you able to really feel another’s pain, sadness or despair – just like they are feeling it themselves. If we’re going to heal ourselves and our planet at large, we need more people working on their own individual growth rather than focusing on what everyone else should do (or not do). Loving ourselves means accepting everything about ourselves – both negative AND positive traits – and treating ourselves with kindness. It also means knowing when we need help from other people…we aren’t meant to walk alone!

2) Connect with Nature

Connecting with nature is important for all aspects of life, not just goddess energy. If you’re in a big city, go on a walk in a park every day; if you’re on vacation in rural Vermont, head out on a hike or maybe just sit by yourself and stare at the clouds for an hour. This is important because spending time in nature helps our minds de-stress, recharges our batteries (literally—studies have shown that exposure to nature can help us fight seasonal affective disorder), and reminds us that we’re still part of something bigger than ourselves. Also it’s nice to be near trees. It’s always a good idea to make sure your mind and body are in sync, so while you’re outside doing whatever you do when connected with nature, try practicing yoga as well.

3) Do what You Love

The most obvious tip for raising your feminine energy is to do what you love. It’s important to note that you have many different interests, talents, and areas in which you are gifted. There’s no need to do what is considered a traditional role or career if it doesn’t bring out your full power. If you know what your gifts are, find a way that allows you express them fully. Choose work or activities that make you feel creatively alive. You might not be able to work at Starbucks as an artist every day, but there might be something else you can do—like teaching art classes on weekends or working part-time in an art supply store while supporting yourself with another job.

4) Give Back

When you’re feeling low, there’s something about working for a good cause that can pick you up. Whether it is volunteering at your favorite animal shelter or giving back at your place of worship, there is something amazing about feeling inspired by a sense of purpose. This energy affects not only us but those around us as well. When we give back in a big way, we are engaging our feminine energy on all levels. It makes us feel better, it lifts others up with our kindness and generosity, and it connects us with other like-minded individuals who understand what you’re going through. Such an important thing isn’t something we should ignore.

5) Accept & Receive

Goddess energy isn’t about material gain. One principle is accepting gifts and compliments from others as graciously as possible, even if you don’t believe them; remember, it’s important to honor your internal energy as well as outward appearances. You are divine, after all. If someone offers a compliment or gift to you, accept it graciously. Whether that means telling someone they look nice in their new outfit or thanking them for giving you a ride home, there are plenty of opportunities to express gratitude throughout your day—just try not to overdo it! While some people may seem uncomfortable receiving praise (and some people simply don’t want compliments), practice accepting what comes your way.