It's time to come home to yourself.
I'm Mare,
And I'm so glad you're here.
This practice is for anyone who gives a lot to the people you love,
To your work,
To everyone who needs something from you.
Today we're going to spend a few minutes gently calling some of that energy back to you.
So find a comfortable position sitting or lying down.
Let your eyes close or soften your gaze toward the floor.
And let your body be supported by whatever is beneath you.
We'll begin with a breath practice,
But if any part of this doesn't feel good,
Simply return to breathing naturally.
So go ahead and breathe in through your nose for a count of four,
Two,
Three,
Four,
And breathe out slowly and softly through pursed lips for a count of six.
Like you're cooling a cup of tea.
Again in through your nose 2 3 4 and a long slow exhale 2 3 4 5 6 When your exhale is longer than your inhale,
It sends a quiet message to your nervous system.
We're safe enough to slow down.
Let's take three more breaths like this on your own.
And then let your breath return to its own natural rhythm.
So many of us live with our energy pointed outward.
We notice everyone's moods before our own.
We say yes when we mean no.
We replay conversations,
Wondering if someone is upset with us.
We pour and pour,
And somewhere along the way,
We can leave ourselves behind.
This isn't a character flaw.
For many of us,
It started as protection.
If I keep everyone happy,
I'm safe.
If I'm needed,
I belong.
Your nervous system learned that tending to others was the way to stay connected.
And it worked for a while.
But a life spent always facing outward can leave you exhausted,
Resentful,
And unsure of what you even want.
Calling your energy back isn't about caring less.
It's about including yourself in the circle of people that you care for.
Let's begin.
Gently bring to mind where your energy has been going lately.
Maybe a person you've been worrying about,
A responsibility that's been weighing on you A conversation that you can't stop replaying.
Or a role that you've been playing so well that you've forgotten to check how you feel inside of it.
Don't judge what comes up,
Just notice.
Now imagine that your energy is like a warm light and picture thin threads of that light stretching out from you towards each of these places.
Some threads are strong and bright.
Some may feel thin or tangled or tired.
Choose one thread to start with.
Silently acknowledge it,
You might say,
I see where I've been giving my energy.
And now as you breathe in,
Imagine gently gathering that light back towards you.
And as you breathe out,
Let it settle into the center of your body,
Your chest or your belly,
Wherever feels like home.
You're not cutting anyone off.
You're simply reclaiming what's yours.
So you have something to give from rather than something to give away.
Let's do this with a few more threads.
Breathe in and call your energy back from the worry that you've been carrying.
Breathe out and let it land inside of you.
Breathe in and call your energy back from the expectations of others.
Breathe out and let it settle.
Breathe in and call your energy back from the places where you've been abandoning yourself to keep the peace.
Breathe out and welcome at home.
If it feels right,
Place one or both hands over your heart or your belly and feel the warmth there.
This is your energy,
Back where it belongs.
You may notice a part of you that feels uneasy about this,
A part that worries this is selfish,
That someone will be disappointed.
If that part is here,
Let it know.
Thank you for trying to keep me connected.
We can care for ourselves and still care for others.
Now,
With your energy gathered,
Let's gently check in.
Ask yourself these questions and let the answers come without forcing them.
What do I need more of right now?
Where in my life am I ready to show up for myself the way I show up for others?
What would living in alignment with myself look like this week?
Just one small thing.
Now let's set an intention to carry with you.
An intention isn't a goal you can fail at.
It's a direction you can return to again and again.
You might choose one of these or let your own words come.
I can care for others without leaving myself.
My energy is mine to protect.
I'm allowed to pour back into me.
Today I choose me too.
Choose the one that feels truest for you.
Breathe in through your nose for four.
And as you breathe out slowly,
Silently repeat your intention.
Once more.
Breathe in.
.
.
And on your long exhale,
Your intention.
One last time,
Breathe in.
.
.
And breathe out,
Letting your intention settle into your body.
Take a moment to notice how you feel now.
Maybe a little fuller,
Maybe a little steadier,
Or maybe simply a little more here.
Whatever you notice is enough.
Let's begin to come back Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Roll your shoulders.
And when you're ready,
Gently open your eyes and look around the space that you're in.
As you move through your day,
Notice when your energy starts to drift outward.
You don't have to stop caring,
Just pause,
Take one long exhale,
And call a little of it back.
If you'd like to keep going,
My practice,
A gentle self-worth reminder,
Pairs well with this one.
Thank you for coming home to yourself with me.
