This guided imagery practice focuses on trusting yourself and connecting to your intuition in queer relationships.
Today we'll explore what might be blocking your inner knowing and then guide you to reconnect with the clarity and wisdom that already exists within you.
Inside each of us is a chorus of different voices.
There might be the voice of self-invalidation that dismisses our feelings as dramatic or not important.
The voice of expectations might remind us what we should be doing or feeling.
The voice of self-doubt might question whether we really know what we want or who we are.
These voices can be like clouds covering the shining rays of our natural intuition.
Briefly bring to mind a relationship situation that is leaving you feeling uncertain or questioning yourself.
Notice what thoughts and voices come up for you.
You might experiment with labeling the thoughts like self-doubt or invalidation or expectations and shoulds.
It can be helpful to understand that these voices often develop as protectors.
For many queer and trans people,
Especially if we face multiple forms of oppression or have had other difficult life experiences,
Fully connecting to all of our feelings and desires might have had consequences we weren't ready for.
Knowing and expressing ourselves authentically might have meant loss or not fully belonging.
The voices of self-doubt might have developed to keep us safe.
If this resonates with you,
Take a moment now to silently acknowledge these protective parts of yourself.
If it feels right,
You can even offer gratitude for the ways these parts of you have tried to keep you safe,
Even if their methods no longer serve you.
And now,
Gently remind yourself that you're here in the present with resources that may not have been available before.
You may have freedom and agency that you didn't always have.
Maybe you have access to more support,
Maybe you have more strengths,
Skills,
And wisdom.
What resources come to mind for you?
In this present moment,
It's safe to know yourself more deeply.
It's safe to hear your own truth beneath the chorus of voices.
Take a deep breath in,
Anchoring and grounding yourself in all of your present awareness.
Take a slow breath out,
Releasing any voices that no longer serve you in this moment.
And now,
I invite you to imagine a peaceful place that exists within you.
In this peaceful sanctuary,
You will begin to connect with your deepest intuition and inner knowing.
Begin to imagine the details of this place.
What does this peaceful inner sanctuary look like?
It might be a sun-dappled forest clearing,
A cozy room with a fireplace,
A quiet beach at sunrise,
Or something else entirely unique to you.
Notice the colors in this place.
Are they vibrant or soft?
What textures can you see around you?
Maybe there's the gentle movement of leaves,
The shimmer of water,
Or the soft weave of fabric.
Notice all the beautiful shapes,
Colors,
And details that are most peaceful and soothing for you.
Become aware of any pleasant,
Comforting sounds in this place.
Maybe there's the gentle rhythm of waves,
The soft rustling of leaves on a tree,
The fire,
Soothing music,
Or simply a wonderful serene silence.
What can you hear that brings this place more and more alive for you?
What pleasant and inviting scents do you notice in the air?
The freshness of pine maybe,
The saltiness of the ocean air,
Or maybe the comforting smell of old books.
What can you feel in this place?
Maybe sand beneath your feet,
Or the comforting weight of a blanket.
What does the air feel like?
Notice that you can make the temperature perfectly right for you.
Maybe you can feel the rays of sun warming your face,
Or a breeze running through your hair.
I'll be silent for a moment as you take your time to explore this inner sanctuary,
Absorbing all of its peaceful,
Soothing details.
This is your space,
Perfectly attuned to what brings you ease.
As you continue to immerse yourself in this peaceful inner place,
Let the warm,
Soothing energy of this place flow throughout your whole body.
Softening your forehead and the small muscles around your eyes and mouth.
Releasing the muscles in your jaw,
Loosening your shoulders so they drop down naturally.
Flowing down through the arms,
Allowing them to hang loose.
Softening the hands wherever they're resting.
Flowing down through the chest and stomach,
Bringing gentle comfort to every area.
Releasing any tension in the stomach muscles,
Flowing down through the legs.
Gently loosening the muscles so that your upper legs soften into the stomach muscles.
Relaxing your feet,
Allowing them to relax into the steadiness and solidness of the ground.
Let the ease and comfort of this peaceful place fill your entire body.
Notice that any sense of peace and centeredness in this moment is coming from within you.
As you rest in this peaceful sanctuary of your own creation,
Imagine there's a presence here with you.
A wise inner guide who represents your deepest intuition and inner knowing.
This guide is an embodiment of your authentic self.
The part of you that sees clearly and understands you fully and has an expansive perspective that is balanced and wise.
Become aware of this guide's presence.
You may see them clearly,
Sense them nearby,
Or simply feel a shift in the energy around you.
However you sense them is perfect for today.
Imagine this wise guide knows you completely,
Your history,
Your struggles,
And your deepest desires and strengths.
They hold no judgment,
Only compassion and wisdom.
They've witnessed your journey and honor all of who you are.
Now bring to mind a relationship situation that you want to understand with more clarity.
In the presence of this wise guide,
Allow yourself to ask any questions you are ready to ask.
You might ask,
What do I truly want in this relationship?
How do I really feel about this situation?
What is my truth right now?
Your guide may answer in words,
Images,
Sensations in the body,
Or a knowing that arises in your mind.
This is without clear form.
Intuition often speaks in subtle ways.
Take a moment to really listen and observe whatever arises.
The response may come in this moment,
Or it may arise in the days that follow.
Trust that this intuition will come at the perfect time.
All you need to do is set an intention to be receptive to your inner experience.
If you notice any voices questioning yourself,
Gently acknowledge them,
Remembering their protective intentions.
And let them go.
Whatever has arisen today,
Think the wisdom that resides within you.
Know that your question has been received by your intuition,
Whether you've received the answer now or will receive it later.
And the trust you're building within yourself will continue to deepen with this practice.
As your time with your inner guide comes to a close,
Know that you can return to this peaceful sanctuary within yourself,
And this wise inner guide whenever you need guidance or clarity.
This resource is always within you,
And if you want support connecting to it,
You can return to this guided meditation anytime.
And now,
Gradually begin to bring your awareness back to your physical surroundings.
Notice the sensations of your body being supported,
The sound of your breath,
Noticing the weight of your hands resting.
And when you're ready,
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes,
Maybe taking a stretch if that feels good.
Taking a cleansing deep breath in,
And then opening your eyes,
Feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Ready to return to your day,
Carrying the knowledge that beneath the course of doubts,
Your own intuition is always present.
With practice,
You'll be able to more and more clearly distinguish its unique energy,
So that your wisdom can always guide your path forward.
Thank you for this practice.
