For this practice.
We'll start by adjusting our bodies until they feel comfortable to be present with whatever is here.
You may mentally scan your body,
Taking note of anything striking at this point in time.
Maybe even noticing the areas of your body that typically store tension.
And not just noticing that tension,
But even anything that's shifted.
Maybe feeling a little sore or even surprised at how little tension is here today.
As you become more connected to this moment,
See if you can connect with your breath as well.
Notice what softens as it's met with each inhale and exhale of your breath.
Notice how much more grounded you become,
How much more supported you feel by the surface you are resting on.
And then if you haven't already,
I invite you to lower your gaze or close your eyes and then see if you can imagine a warm and comforting light surrounding you,
Enveloping you in a sense of safety and peace.
For this practice,
This light represents self-compassion.
Starting at the top of your head,
Imagine the light flowing down through your body from your head to your feet.
This warm protective light deflecting any sort of worries,
Negative thinking patterns,
As well as absorbing the sense of peace and genuine kindness towards yourself.
Every part of your body is warmed and nurtured by this light.
And if there are any areas of darkness in your body,
See if they can be met with this light.
Pay attention to each body part as the light touches it.
Imagine the light calming any tension or discomfort and filling you with a sense of love and acceptance.
As the light moves through your head,
Neck,
And shoulders,
Imagine it releasing any stress or worries.
As it moves through your chest,
Imagine it opening your heart,
Allowing you to feel more loving and compassionate towards yourself.
As it moves through your stomach and abdomen,
Imagine it nourishing and grounding you.
As it moves through your hips and legs,
Imagine it filling you with stability and support.
Finally,
As the light reaches your feet,
Imagine it connecting you to the earth,
Rooting you in a sense of security and stability.
Take a few deep breaths,
Feeling the light filling you with self-compassion and love.
Know that you can always return to this practice whenever you need.
Hold on to this feeling for as long as you like,
And when you are ready,
You can slowly readjust your body and your gaze,
Bringing you back to this room and the space,
Noting what has shifted and what you can take with you for the rest of the day,
Keeping in mind that the more you practice,
The more it will help you cultivate a sense of loving kindness towards yourself,
And also expressing gratitude towards yourself for setting the stage for this to take place.
Thank you for your practice.
