Whether you're in between relationships or within one,
We've heard time and time again how important it is to date yourself.
But what does that exactly mean?
For some,
It may look like going out for dinner or doing an activity alone.
These are effective ways to explore our relationship to ourselves.
Although,
Another date we can try is one of mindfulness.
It doesn't require any money or liquid courage.
When we practice meditation,
We are intimately exploring the nature of our minds.
We get to know ourselves better than any solo movie date can.
It may be an unconventional form of dating,
But through it,
We create necessary opportunities for self-reflection and self-observation.
In this practice,
I welcome you to take yourself on a date by practicing mindful breathing and contemplative reflection.
Let's get ready for our date by finding a place and posture that's comfortable,
Either seated,
Lying down,
Or even standing.
We'll open our practice with a deep inhale through the nose.
And a deep exhale through the mouth.
If it feels safe to do so,
Allow your eyes to close or lower to a soft gaze.
Gently directing your awareness into the breath.
Not changing the breath,
Just being with it.
Once you're familiar with the breath,
Become familiar with the body,
Noting any sensations on the body.
Perhaps the temperature on your skin,
Or any tingling sensations.
And becoming aware of any areas of tension now.
Not getting too caught up in them.
See if you can guide your breath into these areas of discomfort or tension.
And gently shifting your attention into the breath.
Not changing the breath,
Just being with the breath.
Tuning into the heart space.
Tuning into the heartbeat.
If you'd like,
You could place one hand on your heart,
Softly relax,
And notice the pace of the heart.
Noticing the rhythm.
Feel into the strength of the heart.
Becoming aware of any emotions here with you.
Try not to go into any stories,
But just feeling what's here with you in this moment.
And softly letting go of this technique.
Staying with the breath,
And allowing it to move freely and easily.
And now welcoming in these contemplations,
Allowing for your inner wisdom to naturally come through.
You may wish to ask yourself,
How can I spend more time with myself?
And try not to go too deep in them,
Just allow any answers to gently and naturally come through.
And when I'm alone,
What do I tell myself?
Do I need to spend more or less time alone?
And how can I tell when I need some time alone?
Letting go of these contemplations,
Returning back into the present moment.
Gently finding your next inhale and your next exhale.
Coming back into the body,
Into the space surrounding you.
On your own time,
Gently allowing your eyes to open if they were closed.
Letting your eyes softly land in the space you're in.
Inviting a stretch into the body,
Moving in a way that feels good.
Moving in a way that feels good.
As we continue to date and to get to know ourselves through meditation,
We gain a clearer picture of our ever-shifting needs.
Communicating these needs to romantic interests or partners becomes easier and our connections can strengthen,
Promoting deeper intimacy with ourselves and those around us.
Each date that we take ourselves on is a date closer to a deeper,
Loving,
And more trusting relationship with the greatest love of all,
You.
Take good care.
