Thanks for joining me.
This meditation will guide you in shedding labels.
And work on finding who you are again.
Take a moment to get comfortable.
And begin to settle your attention on your breath.
Start by taking three deep breaths.
Breathe in.
Hold for a second.
And breathe out.
Breathe deep into your belly.
Let it expand.
You and breathe out fully,
Exhaling all the air from your body.
One more,
Breathing in deeply.
Folding and let it all out.
Take a moment to see how your body is feeling.
Starting at the top of the head.
All the way down to the toes.
Just notice each location as I guide you through.
If you are able,
You can allow each spot to relax just a bit.
Starting at the top of the head.
Notice how your crown feels.
Moving down to your forehead and eyebrows.
Notice the back of your head.
Your ears.
Feel your nose.
Your cheeks,
Your mouth.
Keep breathing.
And allow these areas to relax,
Even the smallest amount.
Notice your jaw.
Your tongue.
Feel your neck all the way around.
Let your shoulders settle downwards just a bit.
And feel your chest,
Your abdomen.
Your upper back.
Sliding down to the middle and lower back.
Release any clenching in your stomach.
Feel your hips.
Notice your seat on the surface below you.
Feel your thighs,
Your hamstrings.
Your knees.
Moving down your shins and calves.
See if you can relax your legs as you notice your ankles.
Your heels.
The top of your feet,
And the soles of your feet.
Notice each of your toes.
Take one more deep breath in.
And sigh it out.
If you haven't already.
Close your eyes.
We are going to start by releasing the labels we carry.
In your mind's eye.
See yourself standing in a place you feel comfortable,
Relaxed,
Free.
Whatever comes to your mind first is perfect for you.
Maybe you are in a lush garden full of flowers.
In a quiet forest with the gentle songs of birds.
It could be a cozy cabin with rustic furniture.
Or a modern bedroom with clean lines and soft colors.
Wherever you arrive.
Allow it to be.
Now notice you are clothed in layers of clothing.
Each layer represents a label that you are carrying.
We are going to take a few moments to shed these layers to get down to the bare roots of who we are.
With intention,
Take these moments to notice what the labels are.
And see yourself removing that layer of clothing.
Shedding the label as the clothing drops away.
Allow these labels to pop into your mind without judgment.
You know what you are carrying.
These labels aren't specifically good or bad.
They just are.
We are removing all the labels to find the true you.
For a few moments,
Let go of your job.
Your roles as a parent,
A spouse,
A friend.
Your responsibilities.
What others expect of you.
What you think you should be.
When you feel this exercise is complete.
Ask yourself,
If none of these roles existed,
What would still remain?
Don't search for an answer.
Simply sit with the question and notice any feelings,
Images,
Memories,
Or sensations that arise.
Again,
There's no judgment here.
Just allow what comes to be.
If nothing specific comes to mind,
Allow that.
You may feel expansive,
Open,
And free.
Just soak in this feeling for the next few moments.
You in this open state of acceptance.
Next,
Let's consider some questions.
One by one,
Allow these questions to drift through your awareness.
Notice if any words or images come to mind in your space of calm.
Notice what naturally captures your attention.
See what comes to mind.
What do you see,
Feel or sense when you think of this?
Thank you.
What brings you a sense of peace?
Thank you.
What do you wish you had more time for?
Often the first word or picture that pops in is the most accurate,
Before you have time to overthink.
Just notice what comes.
What are you curious about,
Even a little?
When do you feel most like yourself?
Notice which question creates even the smallest spark of interest,
Warmth,
Relief,
Or excitement.
You are not looking for a grand life purpose.
You are simply noticing the gentle directions your inner self may already be pointing.
If nothing comes to mind in this moment,
That's okay.
You might notice these little sparks of thought pop in as you continue with your day.
Pay attention to these little nudges,
These quiet pulls.
Lastly,
Let's imagine in our comfortable,
Calm space where we stand,
Free of labels,
And maybe with a little flame of excitement at the possibilities of who we are.
Appearing before you a wise future version of yourself.
Someone who knows you well and has grown into a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
Ask this version of yourself.
What is one small thing I can do this week to know myself better?
And listen without judgment.
The answer might be surprisingly simple.
It could be to read a certain book.
Spend time in nature.
Take a class.
Write in your journal.
Create something.
Rest,
Reconnect with an old interest,
Accept whatever comes,
Even if it seems ordinary.
Now place a hand over your heart.
And the hand on your belly.
And repeat.
I do not need to have all the answers today.
I am learning who I am by listening,
Exploring,
And living.
Each small step reveals a little more of me.
You don't need to discover your entire identity in one sitting.
Just develop a habit of listening inwardly and trusting the small cues that emerge over time.
You can stay in this space with your wise future self,
Learning the true you as long as you need.
When you are ready to come back,
Take a few mindful breaths.
Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Welcome back into your body.
Return to your daily life.
And try and wear your labels a little more loosely,
Allowing your true self space to breathe.
Whatever you experienced today,
Let that be enough.
Take your time coming back and be gentle with yourself as you move forward.
