Find a quiet,
Comfortable space where you won't be disturbed.
Sit or lay down,
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and out.
With each breath feel your body softening,
Melting into the earth beneath you.
Imagine that with every inhale you're drawing in peace and with every exhale you're releasing tension.
Now visualize yourself standing at the entrance of a beautiful garden,
Your personal sanctuary.
The air is fresh,
The soil is rich and the space around you is filled with vibrant life.
As you walk through this garden notice how it reflects different aspects of your inner world.
Some areas flourish with bright flowers and strong trees,
While others may be tangled with weeds.
Places where guilt,
Doubt or self-judgment have taken root.
Walk towards the particular patch of your garden where you see a large weed growing.
This weed represents a weight of mom guilt,
The self-doubt,
The not-enough thoughts,
The moments you've judged yourself too harshly.
Observe this weed.
What does it look like?
Is it deep-rooted?
Is it dropped around other plants?
Notice how it has taken up space in your garden.
Now place your hands on this weed.
With each deep breath feel yourself gathering the strength to release it.
Acknowledge the feelings it carries,
The pressure to be perfect,
The regrets,
The self-criticism.
Say to yourself I have done my best with the knowledge and energy I had at the time.
I release the guilt that no longer serves me.
I forgive myself with love and compassion.
Now gently but firmly pull the weed from the soil.
As you remove it you notice its roots breaking free.
With each breath you feel lighter,
As if a heavy burden has been lifted from your heart.
Place the weed outside the garden's edge,
Knowing that it will now be transformed into nourishment for new growth.
In the empty space where the weed once grew,
Dig a small hole in the rich fertile soil.
Now imagine a small glowing seed in your hands.
This seed carries a new belief,
One of love,
Acceptance and trust in yourself as a mother.
As you place the seed into the soil whisper to it,
I am enough exactly as I am.
My love is the greatest gift I can give my child.
I choose to mother with presence,
Not with guilt.
Gently cover the seed with soil,
Patting it down with care.
Imagine a warm golden light shining down,
Nourishing this seed with love and patience.
See tiny roots beginning to grow,
Anchoring it deeply in your heart.
As this seed grows feel its energy spreading through your entire body,
Filling you with warmth,
Confidence and deep inner peace.
Now stand in your garden and take in the beauty of what you have just done.
You have made space for something new.
You have released guilt and planted self-love.
Place a hand over your heart and take a deep breath in.
Visualize your child or children standing nearby,
Smiling at you.
Feel the love that exists between you,
Beyond words,
Beyond perfection,
Beyond expectations.
It's real.
It's enough.
Affirm to yourself,
I mother from a place of love,
Not guilt.
I trust myself to grow and learn,
Just as my child does.
I embrace each moment with an open heart.
When you're ready,
Gently bring your awareness back to your breath.
Observe the sensations in your physical body and the feelings that may be present.
Wiggle your fingers and toes,
Feeling grounded and at peace.
And,
In the next exhalation open your eyes,
Carrying this new-formed lightness with you.
