So today let's talk about self-love.
Not the Instagram version or the bubble baths and affirmations that you don't quite believe,
But I mean the kind of self-love that feels almost uncomfortable.
If you're anything like me,
It's often so much easier to extend compassion outward than inward.
We forgive our friends,
Our loved ones quickly.
We speak gently to our kids.
But when it comes to ourselves,
The tone gets sharper,
More impatient,
Less kind.
So let's soften that.
Let's start with a slow breath in.
And let it go.
Breathing again.
Nothing dramatic.
Just a breath that says,
Hey,
I'm here.
And quietly bringing yourself to mind.
Not the polished version of who you want to be or who you want to appear,
But just you.
The one who's trying.
The one who gets it wrong sometimes.
The you who is still on the way.
And as you sit here with that,
See if you can notice what happens in your body when you do.
And just offer yourself some phrases that don't have to be forced to feel true.
Just planting seeds.
May I be safe.
May I be healthy.
May I be at ease.
May I be kind to myself in moments of struggle.
We're just continuing to breathe.
You find yourself drifting off to another thought.
That's okay.
Bringing yourself back is part of the meditation practice.
And if resistance shows up,
That's okay.
Because that too can be held in kindness.
The meta practice or loving kindness practice isn't about pretending that you're perfect.
It's about recognizing that you're human.
Sharon Salzberg once said,
Loving kindness is the ability to see ourselves as we truly are and to respond with compassion.
A reminder that self-love isn't indulgence.
It's honesty wrapped in warmth.
So my friend,
As you move through your day,
Just see if you can catch one harsh thought and soften it.
Just one.
Just one is enough to change the trajectory of your day.
Thank you so much for joining me.
Be kind to yourself.
