Begin by finding a comfortable seated position,
Either in a chair or on a cushion.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath,
Inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
As you exhale,
Feel your body relax and release any tension.
Nurturance is a universal need necessary for us to thrive.
As children,
Our lives depend on touch,
Affection and care from our caregivers.
But nurturing doesn't stop there.
As adults,
We also need to nurture ourselves in order to feel fulfilled and energized.
Take a moment to reflect on the word nurturance.
What does it mean to you?
Is there anything that comes up in your mind when you think about it?
Just notice any thoughts or feelings that arise.
Now,
Imagine a memory or a moment in time when your need for nurturance was met.
If nothing comes to mind,
Imagine what it would be like to receive nurturing care.
Visualize it in as much detail as possible.
What does it look like?
Feel like?
Sound like?
Notice how your body responds to this memory or imagination.
Do you feel more relaxed,
Open or spacious?
Just allow yourself to fully feel and experience these sensations.
Now,
Bring your focus back to this moment.
Imagine what it would be like if you had never received nurturance in your life.
How difficult and debilitating would that be?
Recognize the importance of nurturing yourself regularly.
Ask yourself,
Is there something you can do today to better express nurturing in your life?
It could be as simple as taking a walk on the beach,
Gardening or talking to a friend.
These activities can be very nurturing and rejuvenating,
Supporting the system that helps us do the things we need to do.
As you continue to breathe deeply,
Know that nurturing yourself is an essential part of becoming whole again.
Compassionate communication,
Also called NVC,
Non-violent communication,
Teaches us to come back to ourselves and meet our need for nurturing at any moment.
Here is a two-minute version that you can do every day.
One,
Check in with yourself and attend your emotion,
And two,
Meet the need associated with it.
When you're ready,
Slowly open your eyes and bring your attention back to your surroundings.
Carry this sense of nurturance and self-care with you throughout your day.
Thank you.
Namaste.
