The purpose of this meditation today is to focus on and pay attention to a part of you that you are grateful for or appreciative of.
This is often not something that we do in parts work.
Often instead we focus on parts that we may want to change or parts that are suffering or parts that are creating pain or distress in our lives.
But today instead I'm gonna invite you to shift your focus to pay attention to a part that you may appreciate or be grateful for or see as valuable in your life.
So to get started begin by closing your eyes taking deep breaths and drawing your attention inward.
As you do this invite in a deeper awareness of the presence of God knowing that he knows and loves every part of you.
No part of you is beyond the reach of his love and his care.
All parts of you are parts of God's creation of you and he has said that his creation is good.
Take a moment to choose and focus on a part of you that you appreciate.
This can be difficult to do.
It may feel challenging to admit that there is a part of you that you love and that you are grateful for.
Maybe this part is helpful in your life.
Maybe it is a strength.
Maybe it represents a part of your personality that you like.
Think of a part that provides qualities that make a difference in your life.
Maybe it helps you accomplish things or provides excitement or helps you connect well with others.
Or it may be a younger part of you that is sweet or playful.
As you choose a part really put your focus on it.
Notice it.
Can you get an image of what it might look like?
How do you feel when you look at it?
As you notice it consider what this part provides for you.
How it makes your life better.
Have you considered this part as a gift to you from God?
And now see if you can open your heart to really care for and appreciate or even love this part.
What is it like to feel these things towards this part?
Depending on the nature of this part this might come out in different ways.
Maybe as nurturance.
Maybe as gratitude.
Or maybe as an admiration or respect.
Maybe this part longs to simply be told thank you.
What does it feel like in your body as you open yourself up to these positive feelings towards this part?
As you do this you may notice some other parts coming in.
Maybe there is a part with concerns about you offering appreciation towards this part.
Maybe another part holds judgment about this.
Maybe there is a part that doesn't like the part you are appreciative of.
If this is the case ask any of these parts for some space so you can remain in a place of love and appreciation for this part.
And now check and see if this part is able to notice how you are feeling towards it.
If you aren't sure see if this part can look at you.
Can it feel your presence?
Can it feel the warmth of your love?
This may seem unfamiliar as this can be unusual in our lives.
Oftentimes the parts of us that work really hard in our lives and are vital in our lives do not get much appreciation.
They can be taken for granted.
What is it like for this part to really feel that you care for it?
You appreciate it.
You see it.
You value it.
How is this part responding to this?
Is there anything this part wants to show you?
Is there anything it wants you to know about it beyond what you are already getting?
How is it responding to this attention?
You might pause now too and offer a brief prayer to God thanking him for this part of you.
Trusting in the words of the psalmist,
We are fearfully and wonderfully made and our wonderful Creator created this part of you.
Let God know that you are grateful for that.
Is there anything you sense God saying to or about this part of you?
And now check with this part and see if you get a sense of what it may want or need from you moving forward.
Would it like to be noticed more by you?
What would it be like to receive this attention,
Respect,
Appreciation,
And love more often?
Can you be more attentive to this part as you notice it in day-to-day life?
Close in a moment and see if there is anything else that it needs from you right now.
And then as that feels complete,
Take a moment as you continue to breathe to gradually draw your attention to the outside world.
