Hi,
Thank you for being here today.
My name is Susan Duttridge and today our practice is about cultivating a positive mindset using affirmations For anyone new to the concept of positive affirmations I'll start by sharing some information about why they can be helpful and then a guided meditation Think of this practice as an introduction in tuning your mindset toward the positive One where once tuned you can then be your own guide by Choosing the affirmations that align more authentically with you Affirmations are statements that we say to ourselves that can shift our mindset To connect with positive feelings and a kinder,
Gentler view of self These statements are designed to affirm kind truths about ourselves That's worth repeating because This practice isn't about pretending things are other than they are positive affirmations Affirmations are statements that affirm kind truths about ourselves It's all too easy to focus on the negative on what we perceive our shortcomings to be and Doing so clouds our vision.
It makes it hard to acknowledge the good Rick Hansen who is a psychologist and Best-selling author describes this phenomenon with the very visual analogy that negative experiences tend to Stick to us like Velcro,
But the positive ones slide off like Teflon in other words We humans tend to focus heavily on negative experiences.
They cling to us and Spiral in our thoughts and corrupt our outlook and The positive ones.
Well,
We tend to forget about those or put very little weight on them Connecting with a positive affirmation can help you shift out of that negative focus To foster a more balanced view of self You could say that essentially we are using these positive affirmations to cultivate our good intentions When we connect regularly with positive affirmations We start to tune our heart toward kindness for self to shift out of that harsh inner critic The more we practice these statements the more we balance our inner dialogue And foster positive beliefs in the place of old negative ones All right,
Let's get started.
I hope you're in a quiet peaceful place for this practice One where you won't have disturbances and It's safe to close your eyes for 15 minutes or so in your comfortable position Notice the anchor points where your body connects to the chair or the bed or the floor Bring your awareness to your breath Inhaling in through your nose Exhaling out through your mouth As you breathe focus on expanding your diaphragm during the inhale And contracting it on the exhale Inhaling in and as you exhale release any stress from your body any tension And any stress from your mind Repeat that slow deep breathing at a pace that works for you Allowing yourself to settle comfortably into this moment of stillness and presence Noticing again those anchor points where your sit bones connect with the surface you are resting on Noticing how your body is fully supported Grounded In this moment,
I invite you to cultivate a deep sense of self-compassion Bring to mind a gentle smile a warm embrace for yourself And an understanding that you are deserving of love and kindness Feeling your energy peaceful Your mind present Your heart open And your body still As you continue to breathe deeply at a pace that works for you Repeat the following affirmations silently or out loud Allowing the words to resonate within you I am enough just as I am I embrace my imperfections with kindness.
I Strive for understanding I Release the loud need for perfection.
I Am getting to know my authentic self I Can embrace my authentic self I I am worthy of love and connection.
I Am worthy of acceptance I Am worthy of belonging in my relationships I Will be gentle with myself.
I Extend patience to myself in times of difficulty I Offer myself the same understanding and care.
I would offer a close friend.
I Allow myself to feel emotion without judgment.
I Honor emotions as important messengers of my inner world.
I Give myself permission to experience and express my feelings.
I Can have forgiveness I Release myself from the burden of self-judgment.
I Release myself from the burden of self-blame.
I Forgive myself for past mistakes.
I Am learning from mistakes I Am open to the growth that accompanies self-forgiveness I am resilient.
I Trust my inner strength.
I Have faced challenges before and I have the capacity to navigate through difficulties.
I Believe in my ability to grow and heal I Can befriend myself I I prioritize my well-being I Engage in practices that nourish my body mind and soul I Honor my needs and set healthy boundaries.
I Honor my individuality I Acknowledge my strengths talents and gifts I Am deserving of happiness I Give myself permission to pursue what brings me joy and fulfillment.
I Embrace the beauty and wonder that life has to offer Inhaling in deep and slow and exhaling out Place one hand over your heart Allowing these affirmations to anchor there The most important relationship you will have in this life is the one with yourself As you go forward in your day Carry these kind words to self this sense of self-compassion Anchor it into your core your core of courage bravery strength Know that you have the power to cultivate kindness and understanding within you When you are ready Gently open your eyes Orient to the room around you Noticing where your body feels supported grounded With your hand on your heart and my hand on my heart we bring this practice of compassion and affirmation to each other and into the world around us Thank you
