Self-compassion is the key to accessing the courage to be vulnerable and to show up as your authentic self in this world.
Part of self-compassion is self-appreciation.
Take a moment to appreciate yourself for showing up to this practice today,
For showing up for yourself,
For being your own champion and advocate,
And meeting your own needs.
Start by finding a comfortable,
Upright,
Seated position or lie flat on your back on the floor,
Eyes open,
Soft gaze.
Once you are comfortable,
Take a few deep breaths,
Breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
As you breathe in,
Notice how your body expands and contracts.
As you breathe out,
Notice your muscles as they soften and relax.
Take a few more deep breaths,
In through the nose and out through the mouth.
On the next exhale,
Gently allow the eyes to close and the breath to return to normal.
Take a moment to gently scan your body and notice if there are any areas of tension.
Invite these areas to soften and relax.
Relax your face,
Your jaw,
Relax your shoulders,
Your hands,
Relax your abdomen,
Any area where you feel tension.
Gently invite that area to soften as you breathe in and out.
Take a moment to notice your breath.
Where do you feel it the most?
Is it in your nose?
In your chest?
Maybe in your abdomen?
Follow the breath as you inhale and exhale normally for a few moments.
Now gently place your hand over your heart and let this compassionate touch remind you that you are here to support yourself and to tune in to your own needs.
Notice how with each breath your chest rises and your hand is there to catch your heart.
And from your heart,
Invite feelings of love and joy.
Let these feelings radiate from your heart and fill your entire body.
Allow these feelings to completely surround you and really just sink into the feeling of love and happiness.
And as you embrace these feelings,
Repeat the following phrases in your mind or out loud.
May I find peace.
May I feel joy.
May I see my own beauty.
May I be strong.
May I experience love.
May I learn to accept myself just as I am.
Now repeat these phrases one more time.
Really allowing yourself to feel the loving intention behind each wish for yourself.
May I find peace.
May I feel joy.
May I see my own beauty.
May I be strong.
May I experience love.
May I learn to accept myself just as I am.
Continue to take a moment to just lean into these feelings and these wishes of love.
And thank yourself for your willingness to show up to this practice today for yourself and for the lives of everyone you touch.
