Welcome.
Are you hard on yourself?
Do you hold yourself to high standards and unrealistic expectations?
This could look like always pushing yourself to be better or different.
It could also look like beating yourself up for not having the motivation or inspiration for growth and change.
This human journey isn't easy.
So why do we make it even more difficult by being hard on ourselves?
Maybe it's because we never learned that it's okay to make mistakes and that mistakes actually bring us closer to success.
Or maybe it's because we longed for the approval and love of our parents or caregivers as a child and felt that if we weren't perfect,
The love would be taken away.
Maybe we judge our bodies or are addicted to running or going to the gym or fitness in general because we are conditioned to believe that not meeting the social beauty standard meant we were unwanted and unlovable.
You are a gem.
A precious,
Beautiful treasure whose beauty cannot be measured by your physical appearance,
Mental competency,
Or emotional stability.
There is a light inside of you so bright,
So beautiful that it lights up the whole sky when you let it shine.
When you feel accepted.
When you feel celebrated.
When you feel loved.
The beauty of you is beyond measure.
And it is all of you,
Your loving heart and the heartache,
Your mind,
Your body.
You have so many gifts to share with the world.
Your smile,
Your presence,
Your love.
We are all playing this messy human game together.
And the world is a better place with you in it.
I invite you to find a comfortable position seated or lying down.
Close your eyes if that's comfortable.
Begin to take slow,
Deep breaths.
Feel with each exhalation your body is letting go,
Releasing tension,
Releasing all you are ready to let go of.
Feel your belly softening,
Any tension in the torso unwinding with the breath.
The shoulders relax down,
The throat softens.
Allow a space between the teeth so the jaw can relax.
Feel these little releases moving up into the muscles in the face,
The scalp.
Feel the weight of your body supported,
Giving you permission to let go.
Each breath is an invitation to be just as you are.
Imagine you are in a beautiful place in nature.
There are tall trees,
Green grass,
A stream with colorful rocks glistening in the water.
The sky is blue,
Infinite,
With patches of fluffy white clouds.
The air is warm and your body feels deeply relaxed in this place.
You feel safe here,
Even a sense of home.
You hear the sounds of rushing water behind you and slowly turn to see a magnificent waterfall Surrounded by large rocks,
Blanketed in green moss,
The beauty of this place eases your mind and heart.
You see a perfect place to rest and walk over to it.
You stretch out on your back on the soft,
Green grass.
The sounds around you ease your spirit.
The warmth of the sun softens your muscles and any tension you might be holding.
You close your eyes,
Feeling deeply relaxed,
And in your mind you see a version of yourself standing across from you.
This is a part of you that carries old feelings you no longer need to hold onto.
A part of you that has been waiting for you for a long time.
The person you are today is so much more wise,
Understanding,
And even compassionate than you were before.
Notice the expression on their face,
Their body language.
This version of you has experienced so much.
Can you see all that they carry inside?
They don't need any more criticism.
After all,
The inner critic was just trying to keep them from feeling rejection,
Disappointment,
And pain.
What does this version of you need from you right now?
Kindness?
Acceptance?
Love?
What do they need to hear from you?
I'm sorry I left you behind.
I love you.
I've missed you.
I know you did the best you could.
Maybe you tell them that it's okay to make mistakes.
That mistakes have helped you grow.
And everyone,
Without exception,
Makes them.
Show this part of you that everyone is doing their best.
Falling down,
Failing,
Succeeding,
Falling down again.
Finding the courage to get back up.
Your worth has nothing to do with your attractiveness,
Intelligence,
Skills,
Or talents.
You are worthy because you breathe.
You are worthy because you exist.
You are a treasure.
You are a gift.
Look into the eyes of this version of yourself and see that they have been through so much.
Can you see their tenderness?
Their pain?
Their joy and dreams?
Take these next few moments to acknowledge this part of you and every version of yourself.
What do you appreciate about yourself?
What are you grateful to yourself for?
How you care for people?
How you love?
Your passion?
Your creativity?
Your perseverance?
Courage?
Resilience?
Notice how this feels inside to be with yourself in this way.
Become aware of this beautiful place in nature all around you.
Hear the sounds of the stream.
Feel the warmth of the sun caressing your skin.
Know that you can come back to this sacred place anytime you wish.
Gently guide your awareness back to the space you are in.
Your home,
Office,
The park,
Wherever you are.
Feel your body relaxed and supported.
Slowly start to deepen your breath.
Welcome this breath of life with tenderness,
With kindness.
Feel the preciousness of this moment with yourself.
Slowly move the body in any way that feels good.
And when you're ready,
Open the eyes.
I invite you to remain in this thoughtful space with yourself for as long as you like.
You may find it helpful to journal about anything that came up during today's meditation.
As you move into your day or tomorrow upon waking,
May you practice meeting yourself with greater kindness and acceptance.
Remember,
You deserve love and kindness,
First and foremost,
From yourself.
All my love.
