Today we are practicing self-compassion.
Learning to accept and love ourselves exactly as we are and recognizing that we are enough.
I invite you to find a comfortable seated position where you can relax,
Honoring your body and what feels right for you.
As you settle in,
Take a few moments to make any adjustments you need to get comfortable.
And we'll be staying here for the next seven minutes.
Of course,
If you need,
You can adjust at any time throughout this practice.
This is your time.
Take a deep inhale,
Noticing as the air travels through your nose,
Enters your throat,
Filling your lungs.
Release a slow exhale,
Going all the way to empty.
Practice breathing in this focused way for a few more minutes.
Notice the sensations in your body as you become aware of your breathing.
Taking care to extend your out breath and notice the effect that this has on you.
Perhaps you notice a softening in your shoulders,
A sense of ease in your stomach or maybe a release of tension from your face.
What is it that you're holding on to that you can let go and release?
As you allow your breath to return to normal,
I invite you to think of one thing you like about yourself.
Perhaps this is something you find challenging.
After all,
We are our own harshest critics.
It's often easier to call to mind the things we don't like about ourselves.
Try thinking of the qualities you possess that make you who you are.
Perhaps considering what family or friends might say they love about you.
If it's your kindness,
Perhaps you could try and say that out loud.
I am kind.
Or maybe it feels better to simply repeat the words in your head for a few moments like a mantra.
Notice how it feels to tell yourself something good.
And as you settle in,
Focusing on your breathing,
Remembering you are enough.
You are worthy.
You are perfectly imperfect.
As you sit in stillness,
Perhaps you can imagine giving yourself a warm hug,
Embracing every corner of your being.
Remembering what you have forgotten,
That you are so loved and so lovable.
Even if you have succumbed to the belief that you need to be better,
To be more,
To do more,
Or maybe to be different.
Remember that you are already whole.
You are complete.
And you more than anyone are deserving of the same love and encouragement that you extend to others.
There is nothing wrong with you.
There's nothing broken that you need to fix.
You are human.
You are human.
It's okay for you to show up as you are,
To make mistakes,
To learn and to unlearn the patterns that have shaped you.
You more than anyone are deserving of the same love and encouragement that you extend to others.
Yes,
You are human.
But you are a miracle.
