Hello,
I am Rashid Zahidi and welcome to this meditation about letting go of the need for approval.
This meditation is designed to help you let go of that need for approval from others and reconnect with your authentic self.
By focusing on your inner worth and values you'll learn to validate yourself and embrace who you truly are.
Find a comfortable space where you won't be disturbed.
You can sit or lie down in a relaxed position and when you're ready close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so and take a few deep breaths.
Inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth for all possible.
Now take a moment to ground yourself in the present.
Feel the support beneath you.
Notice how your body is held by the ground or chair or whatever surface is beneath you.
As you breathe in silently say to yourself,
I am here.
As you exhale say,
I am enough.
Repeat this for a few breaths.
I am here.
I am enough.
I am here.
I am enough.
Now bring to mind a recent situation where you sought approval.
Notice the emotions that arise.
Perhaps anxiety.
Maybe fear.
Or maybe uncertainty.
And without judgment simply observe these feelings.
They are part of your experience but they do not define you.
And you can silently say to yourself,
I acknowledge my feelings without judgment.
Now imagine the need for approval as a small object in your hand.
Visualize yourself holding it gently.
As you breathe with your next exhale picture yourself opening your hand and letting it go.
Watch it dissolve into the air or just drift away.
And silently affirm,
I release the need for others approval.
Now again shift your focus inward.
Imagine a warm glowing light at the center of your chest.
This light represents your inherent worth and authenticity.
With each breath see this light growing brighter.
Filling your entire body.
Spreading from your chest and then filling your entire body.
And you can silently repeat again,
I am enough as I am.
I am enough as I am.
I am enough as I am.
Now think about one or two values that matter deeply to you.
Maybe honesty.
Maybe resilience.
Maybe kindness.
Maybe creativity.
Maybe fairness.
Maybe perspective or another that resonates with you.
Now visualize these values as roots extending from your body into the ground.
Anchoring you in who you truly are.
And you can say to yourself,
I live by my values not by others opinions.
Now bring to mind a moment where you felt imperfect or made a mistake.
Instead of dwelling on it,
Imagine wrapping this memory in compassion like a soft blanket.
And silently affirm,
I am human and I embrace my imperfections.
Visualize a sanctuary within you.
A peaceful place where you feel completely accepted and safe.
Spend a few moments exploring this space,
Getting familiar with it,
Knowing it is always available when you need reassurance.
And you can remind yourself,
I am safe within myself.
I am safe within myself.
I am safe within myself.
Gradually bring your awareness back to the room or wherever you are.
Wiggle your fingers and toes,
Feeling grounded in your body.
Take a deep breath in.
As you exhale,
Silently affirm,
I am whole just as I am.
I am whole and perfect all in myself and by myself.
When you are ready,
Open your eyes and carry the sense of self-worth with you into the day or into the night.
And if you would like,
After this meditation,
You can take a moment also to journal any insights or emotions that came up and reflect on how you can integrate this sense of self-acceptance into your daily life.
