Hi,
I'm Javonna Mae Rees and I'm so happy you're taking time to sit still with me today.
As we talk about love and connection,
Before we get going,
I want to share a little bit about my own journey.
There was a time when infidelity led to the end of my marriage,
And I found myself facing a flood of emotions.
Anger,
Betrayal,
Shame,
And even self-doubt.
I questioned if relationships were even meant for me,
Or if I should just embrace the idea of becoming a full-fledged cat lady.
When I finally dipped my toes back into the dating world two years later,
It felt overwhelming and disheartening.
I'll admit,
I did add two cats to my household during that time,
But thankfully I didn't let that identity take over completely.
What helped pull me out of that place was taking a deeper look at the beliefs I had about love and relationships.
I realized that some of those beliefs were holding me back,
Keeping me from the joy and connection I truly wanted.
If any of that resonates with you,
Keep listening.
Together we'll explore how unhelpful beliefs about romantic relationships may be shaping your experience,
And learn how to gently release them,
Inviting in a new perspective on love and connection.
And so it begins.
Find a comfortable position,
Seated or lying down.
Allow your body to relax into the support beneath you.
Let your hands rest softly in your lap,
By your sides,
Or wherever feels natural.
If you feel comfortable,
Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
Take a moment to arrive here,
In this space,
For yourself.
Let's begin with three deep breaths.
Breathe in deeply through your nose,
Allowing the breath to fill your body.
Hold for a moment,
Then exhale slowly,
Releasing any tension or distraction.
Again,
Breathe in calm and clarity.
And exhale,
Letting go of judgment or worry.
One more time,
A deep inhale.
And a slow,
Gentle exhale.
Bring your attention inward,
And allow your mind to settle.
Notice the natural rhythm of your breath,
Steady and soothing.
Now,
Bring to mind your thoughts about romantic relationships.
These might include beliefs you've carried for a long time,
About love,
Connection,
Or yourself as a partner.
Let them come into your awareness,
Without judgment.
Perhaps you've thought,
I'm not good enough for love,
Or relationships always end in pain.
Maybe you've believed,
Even on a subconscious level,
I have to be perfect to be loved,
Or being vulnerable is too risky,
I have to protect myself.
Whatever thoughts come to mind,
Let them arise like leaves floating on a stream.
Just notice them,
Without clinging or pushing them away.
Now,
Ask yourself gently,
Where did these beliefs come from?
Did they stem from past experiences,
Things you were told,
Or patterns you've seen?
Acknowledge that these beliefs may have been shaped by moments of hurt,
Or misunderstanding,
And it's okay to have carried them.
It's okay.
But now,
Imagine yourself holding these beliefs in your hands.
See them clearly,
Each belief written on a stone.
Feel the weight of these stones in your hands,
Bending your wrists.
Notice how they've shaped the way you think,
The way you feel,
Or the way you act in relationships.
Now imagine a stream in front of you,
A clear flowing current.
With each breath,
See yourself placing these stones gently into the water.
Watch as the stream carries them away,
The weight lifting from your hands,
Your heart,
And your mind.
You are releasing what no longer serves you,
Making space for beliefs that support your growth and your joy.
As the stream flows,
Begin to invite new,
Empowering beliefs.
Imagine picking up small,
Glowing stones from the water,
Each one inscribed with a message.
I am worthy of love as I am.
Healthy relationships are possible for me.
I can share my feelings and still be safe.
Feel these new beliefs settle into your being,
Replacing the old.
Notice any shifts in your body,
Perhaps a lightness in your chest or a sense of calm in your heart.
Take a moment to sit with these thoughts and feelings,
These truths,
Breathing them in deeply.
Let them take root in your mind and heart,
Nourishing a new way of relating to love and connection.
When you're ready,
Gently bring your attention back to your breath.
Feel the steady rhythm anchoring you.
Sense the support of the surface beneath you,
The air around you.
Take three more deep breaths,
Inhaling strength and exhaling gratitude on your own time.
When you're ready,
Open your eyes or lift your gaze,
Returning fully to this present moment.
Know that you can carry these empowering beliefs forward,
Creating the love and connection you deserve.
