This is a meditation on self-compassion.
And why is self-compassion so important?
It's the gateway and the natural outcome of mindfulness.
It opens our heart so we can soften into a deeper state of presence with today's world and all the uncertainty,
The grief,
The stress,
Nerves,
Fears,
Tension,
Division.
We need to show up for ourselves authentically.
Self-compassion involves mindfulness,
Being present with what is,
Kindness,
Asking what do I need,
And common humanity,
Just knowing that we're not alone and that we all struggle and we all can stay connected together.
This all helps lead to more emotional resilience.
So find a posture that feels right for you in this moment,
One that allows you to feel most at ease if that's possible.
Concentrating on the breath,
Just sense the natural rhythm as your body performs this built-in gift.
When we cultivate an awareness of our breath,
The body calms and relaxes and the mind follows suit.
Rest here knowing that the breath is the mirror of the soul.
What arises as you sit,
Breathing in and out?
Quiet stillness can bring up a variety of thoughts or emotions or beliefs.
Just notice what's here for you.
Can you be with what's here,
Whatever that is?
Whatever arises,
Label it without judgment,
Criticism,
Or wanting it to be different.
This self-imparted kindness and compassion helps us to get in touch with our vulnerability and what lies beneath it.
Making space for ourselves in this way allows us with a trusting heart to love and let go.
If you find your mind wanders,
Just gently bring it back to this heart space.
Coming back to your breath,
Which is your anchor to the present moment,
Or by simply accepting the thoughts without judgment.
Our minds will do what they do.
Think,
Plan,
Ruminate.
It's okay.
Just try to bring an attitude of curiosity and kindness,
And notice how that releases a sense of being caught in the thoughts themselves.
We're training the mind to hold it lightly and to free ourselves of its grip.
If you're able,
Try to sense your body and see what's there.
Do you feel tension or pain,
Discomfort,
Or triggers?
We hold so many stories within our bodies.
What does that part of you need to remember right now?
Can you be with it in a self-soothing way?
Just explore what's here in this moment with a gentle understanding,
And bring a sense of courage to it as an act of self-love.
Being still in this way invites awareness for what we need with a loving,
Respectful presence.
Honoring what's here is an act of self-love,
And this leads to a bridge between the mind,
Body,
And spirit.
As Thich Nhat Hanh once said,
I have arrived.
I am home.
Coming home to ourselves helps us to get in touch with what we need.
As our bodies live in the present moment,
It brings us back together.
Saying yes to whatever arises is how we become like the ocean,
Riding the waves of life and learning to process it all.
Trust your goodness,
Your intent.
You are worthy of love,
Kindness,
Compassion,
And peace.
Love and accept yourself as you do for others.
This deep honoring of self is a practice,
One that you deserve and have an inherent right to.
In these last few moments,
Connect with your beautiful soul,
Your strong body,
And your shifted mind.
Know that you have the capacity to hold all that is your life.
Love each of these parts of who you are deeply.
It's possible.
When we truly love and forgive ourselves for all that we hold and carry,
We open our hearts to peace and the ability to love authentically all beings.
Namaste.
