Giving love to the child that is you.
This gentle guided meditation exercise can help you to give yourself love when you may feel it hard to love yourself.
The soft background of the sea will continue for a few minutes after the meditation ends.
There are times in our lives where we may get stuck in certain situations.
There may be issues that we find impossible to deal with and can see no way out of.
Such situations can sabotage us.
So that we cannot seem to feel happiness or even hope,
We might feel anxious,
Angry,
Frustrated,
Fearful or sad.
But when we are stuck like this,
Reaching out and connecting to self-love and loving kindness can help us to open our hearts to hope.
First,
Find a time when you will not be disturbed and sit or lay down.
Make yourself as comfortable as possible and breathe easy.
Now,
Think of how small children and also animals live in the present moment.
Then bring to mind yourself as a child and a time in our childhood when you felt joy,
Trust and love.
When you were safe,
Think of how you felt,
How you were at this age.
This was you,
The memory is still within you.
Invite your younger self into your consciousness to be here with you now.
You might imagine them sitting with you or standing opposite you.
How would they feel about your suffering?
Young children do sense such things,
Even though they may not understand what causes it.
And this child is you.
They would be deeply saddened for you.
Now,
Imagine this younger version giving you a hug or holding your hand or sitting beside you silently,
Offering their presence.
Imagine being that younger you,
Holding space for the you of this present day.
They will not offer advice and will not judge you.
Now,
Bring your focus back to the you of this present day and imagine that it is your younger self who is carrying the burden of your suffering.
Think of how you would react to it.
You might hug them,
Let them cry or put your arm around their shoulders,
Either aloud or silently.
Say,
I am here for you,
I understand,
I love you.
Allow yourself to be present for this small innocent who is you.
You may wish to wrap your arms around your body and give that younger self a hug or stroke your own hair or cheek in comfort.
Whatever feels most natural.
If you find your mind wandering,
Simply return to the feeling of staying with this young you who needs comforting and reassuring.
Let the love and kindness flow out of you into your small self.
There is healing happening at this moment.
This is the forgiveness and unconditional love that you have not been able to feel but which you need and deserve.
Simply allow it,
Feel its warmth and comfort.
In your mind or out loud,
Say,
Everything is going to get better.
Rest and sleep.
Allow these thoughts to go out with the love and into your subconscious.
