Shedding Thorns: A Journey To Self-Compassion

This meditation is based on a story about St. Francis and the Thornless Roses, it is appropriate for people of all faiths and traditions. This meditation was created specifically for anyone who is struggling with self-destructive impulses, or a desire to punish yourself. The meditation is a journey into self-compassion using the metaphor of thornless roses.

The meditation begins with the parable of St. Francis struggling with a desire to punish himself. His encounter with a thicket of rose bushes leads to self-compassion. Then we transition into the guided meditation inviting you into a rose garden.

I heard this story while traveling in Assisi, Italy and it struck me very deeply as good medicine for everyone who needs a doorway to self-compassion.