Welcome to this meditation by M for Meditation.
Words of affirmation are words that communicate your love,
Appreciation and respect for another person or yourself.
They are positive words and phrases used to uplift someone.
The way in which we communicate with those around us and the words we use can have a huge impact on our relationships,
Whether it is with people we know and love or strangers that we might encounter in our daily lives.
So often we don't realise how much of a difference our words can make.
And this is just as true as the words that we use for ourselves.
It's so easy to criticise or berate ourselves when we do make a mistake or don't manage to achieve what we set out to achieve.
But calling ourselves adverse terms like stupid or an idiot doesn't serve to improve the way that we feel about ourselves,
Rather it enforces a negative feeling about us which can lead to an overall feeling of dislike of the self.
This in turn can create difficulties with poor self-esteem,
Boundaries,
Motivation and confidence.
We are often taught that to speak positively about ourselves may be seen as egotistical or arrogant,
And it seems much easier and more socially acceptable to point out our flaws and failings.
And it can be difficult to break these habits as there is familiarity in thought processes and patterns which can feel comforting,
Despite being negative and ultimately taint our enjoyment of life.
This meditation is designed to help you create and focus on positive impressions and feelings about yourself simply for being you.
We all have worth.
We all have value.
We all have potential and we all deserve to feel love for ourselves.
This meditation is best done at the beginning of the day to help set intentions and frame the right mindset for whatever we have to do,
But you can also practice it at any time that you feel is right for you.
To help prepare for meditation,
There are a few simple steps we can take to aid focus for our minds and our bodies.
First of all,
Try not to put any pressure on yourself.
Meditation can be tricky,
Especially when you first start to practice.
So be kind to yourself and accept that it may not go according to plan.
And that's okay.
Try to approach this meditation with an open mind and an open heart.
Meditation is a journey,
Not a destination.
Wherever you choose to meditate today,
Make sure it's somewhere that you feel comfortable.
Silence isn't essential,
But somewhere that you're unlikely to be disturbed is preferable.
When we meditate,
The world continues to flow around us,
So there is no need to shut it out completely.
You can practice this meditation sitting or lying down,
Whichever is most comfortable for you.
The affirmations we will use can be repeated in your mind or out loud,
So depending on your preference,
Choose your position with this in mind.
When you've made yourself comfortable in your chosen position,
Take a minute or two just to focus on your breathing.
This exercise helps us to draw our minds away from other thoughts,
Worries and distractions,
And helps us to focus on the here and now,
A practice known as mindfulness.
Allow yourself to notice the details of your breathing,
The sound,
The sensation,
Where in your body you can feel changes,
Temperature and movement as you breathe.
This is all you need to do at this time.
And as you're breathing,
If you find that other thoughts start to draw your focus away from your breath,
Try not to feel frustrated or angry.
This is completely natural and it's allowed to happen.
The key here is to be able to recognize that your mind has wandered,
And to guide it back to the focal point of your breath.
Your thoughts don't need to cease to exist,
But they also don't need to be the focus of your practice.
Take a minute here to allow yourself to concentrate on your breath.
Close your eyes and bring your mind to your practice.
We will now work through some positive affirmations.
You can repeat these to yourself in your mind or out loud,
Whichever is right for you.
Or you can simply listen to my voice and find connection with the words.
There is no right or wrong way,
This is your practice.
We will repeat these affirmations three times.
I am open and connected to the wider world around me,
To guidance,
Trust and exploration.
I trust my intuition and ability to know what is best for me.
My eyes are open to a new wisdom.
I speak with sincerity and honesty.
I communicate with the best of my intentions.
I love to the best of my ability.
Love for others and love for myself.
I am the truest version of myself.
I am happy to be who I really am.
I allow my creativity to flow and embrace all dimensions of myself.
I am grounded.
I am connected.
I am part of the earth that is my home.
I am open and connected to the wider world around me,
To guidance,
Trust and exploration.
I trust my intuition and ability to know what is best for me.
My eyes are open to a new wisdom.
I speak with sincerity and honesty.
I communicate with the best of my intentions.
I love to the best of my ability.
Love for others and love for myself.
I am the truest version of myself.
I am happy to be who I really am.
I allow my creativity to flow and embrace all dimensions of myself.
I am grounded.
I am connected.
I am part of the earth that is my home.
I am open and connected to the wider world around me,
To guidance,
Trust and exploration.
I trust my intuition and ability to know what is best for me.
My eyes are open to a new wisdom.
I speak with sincerity and honesty.
I communicate with the best of my intentions.
I love to the best of my ability.
Love for others and love for myself.
I am the truest version of myself.
I am happy to be who I really am.
I allow my creativity to flow and embrace all dimensions of myself.
I am grounded.
I am connected.
I am part of the earth that is my home.
These words are as true as you want them to be,
And you can return to them at any time that you need to.
You can stay within your meditative state for as long as you want to.
If you're feeling relaxed and focused and have the time,
Then you do not need to close your practice yet if you do not wish to.
Likewise,
If you feel that you've reached the end of your practice,
Bring your focus back to your breath for a few moments.
The sound,
The sensation.
Where in your body you feel changes,
Temperatures and movement as you breathe and bring your awareness back into the present moment.
Take your time to open your eyes and allow yourself to adjust back to a more wakeful state.
Refreshed,
Renewed and repurposed.
Ready to begin your day full of good intentions.
