This Morning, I Am: A Soft Return After A Hard Night

Nights can be hard,

Sleep sometimes elusive,

And there are mornings that feel heavy,

Uncertain,

Even tender.

Perhaps this is one of those mornings for you.

If so,

I invite you to sit with me for just a few minutes,

To be present,

To come home to yourself,

To remember who you are beneath the tiredness,

Beneath the thoughts.

Let this be a gentle return.

Allow yourself to settle in,

Lying down or seated comfortably.

Soften your gaze or close your eyes.

Allow the breath to arrive just as it is.

Each inhale,

Gently return to yourself.

Each exhale,

Release whatever you're ready to let go of.

Feel the ground beneath you.

Feel the breath within you.

Nothing to do.

Nowhere to be.

Just here.

Just now.

In a moment,

I'll offer a few I am statements.

You're invited to repeat them silently or aloud.

And if it feels comfortable,

You may keep your eyes closed.

Or if a mirror is nearby,

You might choose to gently open your eyes and meet your own reflection as you say the words.

There's no wrong way.

Only your way.

I am here.

I am whole,

Even in my hurting.

I am strong,

Even when I feel soft.

I am allowed to feel everything.

I am returning to myself.

I am worthy,

Always.

I am becoming.

I am love.

Let these words settle into you.

Let them root,

Not as something to strive for,

But as something you already are.

Take a deep breath in.

And a long sigh out.

Guide your awareness back to your body.

Your space.

Your heart.

You are not starting from scratch today.

You are continuing from the deep truth of who you are.

I encourage you to come back to this practice every morning.

Revisiting this reminder of who you are again and again.

A daily return to your truth.

Go gently.