Welcome to the self-acceptance meditation.
If you start to feel overwhelmed by emotions remember you can always come back to the breath to anchor you in the present moment.
Remembering to always be kind to yourself.
Start by getting comfortable either seated or lying down.
Feel free to get a blanket or cushions to ensure you're as comfortable as possible.
Now close your eyes and let your attention drop to wherever you feel the breath most naturally.
This may be in your abdomen noticing your tummy rising and falling or you may notice it more in the chest area as your ribcage expands and contracts as you breathe in and out.
Wherever it feels most natural just be with it in this moment.
Now I invite you to place both hands over your heart space noticing the warmth of your hand resting gently on your body.
Perhaps noticing how it moves gently along with your breath.
And I invite you to ask yourself what you really need today right here right now.
Perhaps you need love or kindness towards yourself or acceptance of who you are.
What do you really need in this moment?
If nothing comes to you that's okay.
We will repeat a few phrases now to help you tune into what you really need.
Let's start with may I be kind to myself.
Truly kind to myself.
Repeat the phrase in your head now.
May I be kind to myself.
Truly kind to myself.
Or how about may I accept myself as I am.
May I accept myself as I am.
How does it feel in your body as you repeat that in your head?
If you struggle to feel warmth towards yourself perhaps imagine a loving pet or friend who has shown you unconditional love.
This could be someone in the present or past.
Picture them now and feel their love radiating to you.
Allow all thoughts,
Feelings and sensations to arise.
Perhaps your stomach is lurching.
Your chest feels tight or your shoulders are tense.
Be open to whatever arises.
Not judging or trying to change anything.
Just acknowledging it all.
Listen attentively to your body in this moment.
Being open to all sensations.
Reconnect with the warmth of your hand over your heart space and say to yourself I send myself love.
Take a few breaths and try saying to yourself I send myself love.
Allowing any tears to arise gently.
Knowing that it's good to cry and let it out.
And if uncomfortable feelings arise say to yourself it is okay to feel like this.
Giving yourself permission to feel gives you permission to heal.
It is okay to feel like this.
Say to yourself I am enough just as I am.
This may cause tightness in your body if you really struggle to say this to yourself.
So connect with your breath either in the tummy or the chest area to ground you in the moment.
Reminding yourself that all your feelings are welcome and try saying to yourself again I am enough just as I am.
You may not believe this right now but trust the process and know that over time the more you validate yourself the more it will gradually sink into your subconscious.
If uncomfortable feelings persist that make you feel like you're stuck you could try saying to yourself I am worthy of love or I am loved.
Sending yourself warmth and reassurance as you would to a close friend or loved one or pet.
Or you could try imagining a warm light shining over you enveloping you in love and peace.
Choose what works for you.
When you feel like you've acknowledged all of your emotions and you've sat with everything remember to ground yourself before you end this practice.
Connecting with the floor,
Perhaps noticing how it feels to be connected via all four corners of the feet,
Root it to the ground.
Or just noticing how it feels to be lying on the floor knowing that you're supported.
And reminding yourself you can come back to this meditation as many times as you need to.
And then gently opening your eyes when you're ready and having a good stretch.
Allowing time if you need to have more of a cry or more time to process certain emotions that have come up.
Gently easing back into daily life as this practice is now complete.
