Self-Compassion Visualization Meditation,
The Blanket of Love by Wellness Wonderland Collected.
Take a moment to come to a comfortable seated position,
Turning your attention towards your breath and making any adjustments required for ultimate comfort.
Close your eyes or lower your gaze when you feel ready.
Roll those shoulders up and back,
Slightly tucking the chin,
Elongating the spine,
And feeling rooted into the here and now.
Now gently notice any tension you may be holding in your jaw area.
Kindly and without judgment,
Allow it to seep downwards into the earth,
Inviting relaxation.
Notice any tension you might be holding in your neck and shoulders,
And see if you can allow that tightness to melt away slowly,
Running down your body and into the ground that can hold and transform this energy.
Noticing any other places within your body where you might be holding or bracing,
And grant those spaces permission,
Even if just for the next short while,
A gentle break.
Release any tension that can be safely and comfortably released,
Making any additional adjustments you need.
Now I'd like you to imagine a blanket.
This blanket is made from the most beautiful,
Delightful material you can think of.
For some,
It may be silk.
For others,
It might be soft and warm,
Like fleece or cashmere.
Alternatively,
Your blanket might be made of flowers or crystals,
Or it might be knit of the finest soft natural wool.
And then notice what color this blanket is.
Is it solid or multi-toned?
Let it take on whatever color or colors you gravitate towards most.
Anything that soothes and comforts you.
Now I'd like you to imagine this blanket draping over you in the most gentle and loving way.
And as it touches your body,
You realize that this blanket is infused with deep,
Unquestioning,
Unconditional,
Unwavering love.
And now that this love is enveloping you,
Feel the love that this blanket carries seeping into every cell,
Every muscle,
Every organ,
And every thought within your body.
No matter how you're feeling or what you're thinking,
No matter what emotions you're feeling or what stories you are carrying with you today,
This blanket embraces you.
Like sunlight,
The warmth penetrates every single part of your being.
Some areas of your body might naturally receive this love,
While others might be resistant.
If this is the case,
Focus on the places where the love enters with grace naturally.
And then see if it might gently and slowly expand to other regions.
See if you can take in what it feels like to be embraced by this,
To bathe in love and kindness and tenderness unconditionally.
If your mind drifts into thoughts,
Come back to your sense of the blanket.
When you feel ready to close this practice,
Take a moment to tune into your heart,
Maybe placing your palms there,
Feeling your heartbeat within your chest.
Offer yourself gratitude for this practice,
Knowing that it's just that,
A practice.
Gently let your sense of this blanket dissolve if it hasn't already,
Knowing that it's available to you anytime in your mind's eye,
Always.
It's portable.
It doesn't take up space in your bag or the trunk of your car.
Whenever you need it,
You can call it forth.
Come back to your breath now,
And then to your sense of the seat beneath you.
And slowly and gently start to blink the eyes open when you feel ready.
Thank you so much for practicing with me today.
Until next time,
Stay curious,
Stay well,
And lead with love in all you do.
