Welcome to this mindfulness practice that reflects on how it takes practice and constant reminding to be kind to oneself and to accept that we are only human.
We are so harsh on ourselves,
Sometimes,
Often in fact.
If we make a mistake we can thrash ourselves emotionally for days or even decades.
We spend the most time in our life with ourself and so how we chat with ourself is critical to the approach we take to life and the route we forge to live it.
That is why we need to be aware of what we say and how we say it.
It is so important to be alert to this internal dialogue and incessant chatter that we live with internally and the judgments we make and the stories we create and the suffering we cause for ourself.
Yes,
We cause much of our own suffering simply by the way we think.
Our inner conversations tell us how we feel about ourself on so many different levels.
How often do you say to yourself,
I am doing okay,
I am valuable,
I am worthy of all that is good,
I am courageous,
I am loved,
I am enough?
Not often,
I would be sure.
Do you realize how strong you really are?
How do you speak to yourself in general?
One of my teachers used to ask the question,
Would you speak to your best friend the way you speak to yourself?
We all recognize that we are not so kind to ourself sometimes or often.
Of course,
This is only being human.
So perhaps it is worth creating a mantra.
A mantra is simply a melody of the mind to focus upon.
So we are not mentally cavorting around the outside world.
A mantra will assist you in freeing your mind from negative thinking.
A positive,
Self-respecting mantra.
It need only be a few words such as to be kind or heartfelt or love and peace.
Look for words which help you feel valued.
Meditate with your mantra daily.
These words could be formed from something that has been said to you which makes you feel peaceful and complete or lyrics from a song or poem with which you resonate.
The words of your mantra may change over time but let them reflect on how you truly want to be.
Take off the mask that you have created to hide all your emotional imbalances and blemishes and find true freedom and peace.
Don't be frightened to show your vulnerability,
To show you are only human.
Abide in your humanness and watch what unfolds.
And remember it is known that just as the mind can cause distress,
The mind can also alleviate it.
It's within our power to choose one thought over another.
To choose optimism over pessimism.
Flexibility over rigidity and to understand that we are only human.
For now let us practice together with words that are simple and meaningful.
Let us use the words in harmony,
In peace.
And as you breathe in and out slowly,
Begin to synchronise them with the flow of your breath.
Let us begin.
Breathing in.
Breathing out.
Breathing in.
I am in harmony.
I am in peace.
Breathing out.
I am in peace.
I am in harmony.
I am in peace.
I am in peace.
I am in peace.
I am in peace.
I am in harmony.
I am in peace.
I am in harmony.
I am in peace.
If your mind is wandering,
Bring it back to these soothing words.
In harmony.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
And again if your mind is fleeing,
Just bring it back to the words.
Harmony.
Peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
In harmony.
In peace.
Sit now for a little while just being aware of your breath.
It's gentle pace,
Rhythm and depth.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
In peace.
Quietly listen now to these random thoughts of mine.
Can you relate to any of them?
Sometimes.
Sometimes I'm not so sure of the steps to take and I falter on the tightrope of indecision.
Sometimes I simply walk straight ahead without a hint of hesitation.
Sometimes I want to hide beneath the covers and to not face the world today.
Sometimes I bounce out of my bed with a spring in my step,
Ready to play.
Sometimes I can barely lift my feet.
Sometimes I can't stop dancing.
For I am only human.
For I am only human.
Sometimes I don't want to speak.
Sometimes I want to shout to the skies.
Sometimes I am brazen.
Sometimes I am shy.
Sometimes I don't like listening.
And sometimes I hear so clearly.
For I am only human.
For I am only human.
Sometimes simplicity is the key.
Sometimes complexity is the norm.
Sometimes I feel trapped.
Sometimes I feel free.
Sometimes the sun is shining.
Sometimes darkness envelops me.
For I am only human.
For I am only human.
Sometimes I truly know.
Sometimes I doubt completely.
Sometimes I am stuck.
Sometimes I flow.
Sometimes I feel the warmth on my skin.
Sometimes the wind chills my bones.
Sometimes I feel pretty.
Sometimes I feel plain.
Sometimes I am so wise.
Sometimes so foolish.
Sometimes I know where I am going.
Sometimes I have lost my way.
For I am only human.
For I am only human.
Sometimes I can give you my time.
Sometimes I need that time for me.
Sometimes I reach for the stars.
Sometimes I dig deep into the sand.
Sometimes I push you away.
Sometimes I hold you in my arms.
For I am only human.
For I am only human.
Sometimes things cannot be fixed no matter how hard I try.
They break and shatter and fall off the wall.
And so I just want to cry.
Sometimes my heart swells.
Sometimes it closes down.
Sometimes I show my vulnerability.
Sometimes I hide away.
Sometimes I am so strong.
Sometimes I am so frail.
Sometimes I have wanted to die.
Sometimes I see no wrong.
And sometimes,
Sometimes little fright bubbles make me shiver.
And I realise I have been too frightened to let them show.
And then I reflect and know.
As the sages have said and ancient texts prescribe,
Sometimes life is simply a balance between holding on and letting go.
But do we not all feel the same?
Sometimes.
And now just gently bring your hands to your heart and rest them there for a little while.
Be aware of how you are feeling.
Be aware of how you are feeling.
Be aware of how you are feeling.
This is Anne Marie.
I wish for you,
May your being reside in a perpetual state of harmony and peace and gentility.
