Let's begin today's practice by finding a comfortable position to sit,
Stand,
Or lie down.
And if you feel comfortable,
Close your eyes or find something in the room to focus on.
Now take a few deep breaths and just notice the air fill your lungs.
Now take a moment to visualize a place where you feel safe.
Maybe that's a park,
The ocean,
The mountains,
Or even your own home.
Maybe notice any colors or smells around you.
What stage of life are you seeing yourself in?
Who are you in this space?
Is this a current,
Past,
Or future version of you?
Just take note of maybe something you're wearing,
How your hair is done,
Maybe with your favorite accessory.
And just take a moment to visualize yourself in your mind's eye.
Now,
What are three things you'd like to say to yourself?
Maybe let's repeat some affirmations out loud.
You might say,
May I be happy,
May I be loved,
May I be at peace.
And repeat a couple more times.
May I be happy,
May I be loved,
May I be at peace.
And if you notice yourself getting distracted or placing judgment on yourself,
Simply label it as a distraction or judgment and come back to my voice.
Now let's visualize someone you cherish.
What are three affirmations you'd like to say to them?
These can be the same as before or different.
You might say,
May you be happy,
May you be loved,
May you be at peace.
And repeat a couple more times.
May you be happy,
May you be loved,
May you be at peace.
Now visualize the world,
The environment,
Or a group of people.
And let's repeat three or more of the same affirmations once again.
You might say,
May you all be happy,
May you all be loved,
May you all be at peace yourself.
The version of you in your mind's eye.
And just take note,
Through this practice,
Did you notice your own criticisms?
Or did you allow yourself to be present and intentional?
Did you notice any changes to your breath?
Did it speed up,
Slow down,
Or is it about the same?
To take a few more deep breaths.
Loving ourselves consistently isn't the goal.
But valuing parts of ourselves,
No matter the noises.
So day-to-day,
Practice these statements as a reminder of your self-worth and compassion for others.
Our scars show a life worth living.
