In this practice,
We will combine Eastern and Western approaches to developing confidence.
Take a moment and relax and imagine yourself as a young child.
Notice how you feel as a young child.
However,
This time as a young child,
Instead of your parents of origin,
Imagine ideal parents who are perfectly suited to you and your needs.
The first thing that you notice when you're with these parents is that you feel perfectly safe and relaxed.
You feel a feeling of love throughout your entire body just by being near these parents.
Imagine that these parents have true confidence that radiates from them and they're perfect role models on what confidence looks like.
They aren't arrogant,
They just feel deeply secure in themselves and in their abilities.
Now notice that these parents look at you with a look of love.
And notice that these parents believe in you totally and completely.
These parents are totally confident in you and they see your unique abilities and strengths in a way that even you can't.
Notice how good it feels to be seen in this way and how confident you begin to feel already.
These parents believe in you unconditionally and this belief is contagious.
You begin to feel a deep sense of confidence in yourself.
Pay close attention to what this feeling of confidence feels like in the body.
Take time to become familiar with this.
These ideal parents are always there for you,
Always supporting you,
Always believing in you.
And this makes you feel this unshakable sense of confidence in yourself.
And you know this confidence deeply.
Now,
Bring this part of the visualization to a close and imagine yourself as an adult,
Staying with this feeling.
Notice that this feeling of confidence is innate and it isn't dependent on external circumstances.
Your whole life you've known this deep feeling of unshakable confidence.
Notice how this confidence allows you to be present with doubts and fears in a way where you don't feel intimidated by them but you're able to look at them objectively and be kind to them.
You still have the normal ups and downs of life but you can always come back to this deep trust in yourself.
Now,
Imagine a situation in your life where you'd like to have more confidence.
But this time,
Imagine it when you're feeling this deep sense of confidence that you're feeling now.
And notice how things are different.
Notice how when you're connected to this innate sense of confidence,
The situation plays out differently than before.
Imagine the situation playing out exactly as you'd like as you stay in touch with this feeling of inner confidence.
You can now bring this part of the visualization to a close.
Finally,
Have a clear intention that you'll stay connected with this confidence for the rest of the day,
Knowing that this confidence is innate and always available to you.
