A Letter For Self-Forgiveness

In this writing as a meditation practice, author Alexandra Elle guides you through exploring self-forgiveness on paper. This exercise acts as a reminder to make space in your life for self-compassion. Grab your journal, a favorite pen, and dive in.

Transcript

Hi,

I'm Alex L.

Thank you for joining me today for this writing practice as a meditative exercise.

I'm an author and wellness consultant whose goal is to nudge people closer to their voice and truest self through self-care,

Writing,

And storytelling.

Writing as meditation allows us to slow down and root deeper into ourselves on the page.

In this practice,

We're going to be writing a self-forgiveness letter.

If you have not already,

Get into a quiet place,

Grab your journal and a favorite pen,

And let's get started.

Before we begin putting pen to paper,

I'd like you to prepare your mind,

Body,

And soul for this writing practice.

This exercise can be a bit emotional,

But also extremely freeing.

Because we are flawed and human and forever learning as students of life,

It's important that we take time to invest in forgiving ourselves.

So often,

We don't give ourselves the same grace that we pour into those around us.

Today,

I encourage you to shift that narrative.

You are worthy and deserving of love,

Forgiveness,

And second chances.

You are deserving of offering that to yourself.

This type of writing practice opens the door for new inner dialogue.

It allows us to make space in our lives for self-compassion.

Many of us have been programmed to believe that our worth is contingent on the validation of others,

But I'm here to nudge you towards unlearning that.

Self-forgiveness is the permission we need to move forward with a softer heart.

It also makes room for new beginnings.

I am a believer that starting over as many times as you need to is brave,

And so is beginning again.

For this specific writing exercise,

I want you to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

I also want you to pause here and take five deep breaths with the music in through the nose and out of the mouth.

Perhaps you can set the tone with your favorite essential oil blend coming from a diffuser,

A big bear hug to yourself,

A deep stretch,

Or a hydrating sip of water.

I'm encouraging you here to find your center before we start the writing practice.

This letter doesn't have to be long if you don't want it to be.

I want you to do what feels right and good for you at this moment.

If needed,

You can always come back and add more later.

My tips for this exercise are the following.

Number one,

Be honest,

Raw,

And authentic as you show up on the page.

Two,

Don't feel pressure to finish it if things feel too heavy or too emotional.

Three,

Give yourself grace and guidance.

You can be your own greatest teacher in this moment.

Four,

Don't hold back.

The page is not going to judge you.

Show up as your truest and most authentic self.

Five,

Release the urge to censor yourself or to question your worth.

That will only cause distraction in your writing practice.

So I want you to begin by writing dear self at the top of the page.

Date it,

Add the time if you'd like.

Over the next five minutes,

Music will play and I want you to lean into the sounds and be supported by them.

Write freely,

Trust yourself,

And give yourself permission to show up flawed on the page.

Remember,

You deserve to forgive yourself.

Extend empathy to the parts of you that may not have gotten it right before.

Welcome back.

How are you feeling?

Put pen to paper and write your answer.

Do you believe your words?

Why or why not?

Underline the line in your letter that stood out the most.

Keep it somewhere you can see it.

Make a ritual out of this writing practice.

This can be a supportive meditative tool that you can carry with you always.

Allow your words to support you.

And on the days that self-forgiveness feels tough,

Reread this letter and choose to grow in grace.

Thank you so much for your time today.

I appreciate you for sharing space with me and for deciding to show up for yourself in this very vulnerable way.

Keep this exercise close to your heart and feel free to come back to it whenever you need a little extra love,

Care,

And support.

Until next time,

Take care.

Reviews

I am currently going through a huge transition in all facets of my life. This practice was perfectly timed, and I am grateful that it found me, today. Thank you!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This is a powerful exercise. Your gentle guidance was the healing balm I needed to help shift perspectives. I shall listen in again and return to this practice. A deep bow of gratitude.

My regret is I did this practice orally without recording my answers. I was winding down for bed and I was too tired to traipse across the room to get my journal but the thoughts were triggered by Ms. Elle’s invitation and tone of kindness, sincerity and compassion that made it so easy to flow into the exercise completely unprepared despite her suggestion to go get the journal.
At her suggestion, I will do this again armed with pen and journal in hand.
I highly recommend all, gender Not specific— men are not excluded or discouraged, to try this practice from a wise person.
Blessings to all.
Warmly,
Anne

✨️🩷 I SO needed this! Loved your clear instructions and the process, thank you!

This is exactly what I needed today after pulling a card from the feminine wisdom deck from my rockpool app. Self forgiveness is honestly something we do not do often enough, especially as women. I hope you enjoy this practice as much as I did!

Loved the exercise, very important to my development and growth. Thank you

Your voice and tone is extremely soothing. Thanks the writing is exactly what I needed😊

such a good release, i didn’t realize that simple title would create so much space for me to start healing.

This is my 2nd time listening and my 1st time actually writing
the letter vs thinking about the prompts. Thankful for the prompts on forgiveness, today i took pen to paper and i feel lighter and more centered. Ive always avoided journaling for years. Today starts a new beginning and it felt amazing to allow my thoughts to be released
Thank you!

Thank you. Mad love for my brothers and sisters holding it down for the dmv. OneLove

Great message, exercise & delivery. Love it. Lovely presentation. Thx

This was such a breath of fresh air! Exactly what I have been needing - calm, quiet time with my Self. Thank you!!!

Wow! This is so good! Thank you for sharing this wonderful practice🙏

This was extremely timely, although very hard to do. Loved the concept and will get better at forgiveness I am sure.

This was so refreshing and uplifting. Thank you so much 🙏🏽✨💙

This meditation was so needed and necessary. I give thanks.

I found this to be very helpful in getting started forgiving myself for being human. It focused my attention exactly where it was needed.

Loved thos meditation writing exercise. I'm still writing as it was a short meditation and I doctorate continue. It feels cleansing so far! Thank you for creating this space for self.

I'm so thankful for this excellent meditation practice. I don't know what came over, but as I started writing I wasn't just forgiving myself but gaining the confidence of being able to make a fresh start. Of being able to relieve my purpose! Thank you so much ❣️ Lots of love and good wishes from Japan.

Very uncomfortable. Very healing. Very necessary. Thank you.