Yoga Nidra For Older Yogis: Developing Self-Compassion

This is a soothing guided meditation focused on cultivating self-compassion. Start by finding a comfortable position and taking deep breaths to relax. You'll visualize warmth and kindness filling your body, and shift your attention to your heart center, where a beautiful flower blooms, representing qualities of self-compassion. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations of worthiness and love. End the session by expressing gratitude for self-care and carrying these feelings of compassion with you throughout your day. Namaste.

Transcript

Welcome to another meditation.

This one on developing self compassion.

Begin by finding a comfortable position lying down on your back.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

Allow your body to relax,

Releasing any tension in your muscles.

Take a moment to set an intention for this practice.

Let it be focused on cultivating self compassion.

Repeat in your mind,

I am deserving of love and compassion.

I am deserving of love and compassion.

I am deserving of love and compassion.

Now bring your awareness to your body.

Feel the contact points between your body and the surface beneath you.

Notice the support beneath you,

Allowing yourself to fully surrender to the present moment.

Shift your attention to your breath.

Feel the natural rhythm of your breath,

The gentle rise and fall of your chest and abdomen.

With each exhale,

Release any lingering tension.

Imagine a warm,

Soft light surrounding you.

This light represents love and compassion.

As you breathe in,

Visualize this light entering your body,

Filling you with warmth and kindness.

As you exhale,

Let go of any self judgment or criticism.

Now bring your awareness to your heart center.

Visualize a beautiful flower blooming within your chest.

Each petal represents a quality of self-compassion,

Kindness,

Understanding,

And acceptance.

Watch as this flower unfolds with each breath,

Radiating love.

As you continue to breathe,

Bring to mind a moment when you were hard on yourself.

Imagine that memory to surface.

Now allow that memory to surface without judgment.

Imagine yourself in that moment,

Offering the same love and understanding you would to a dear friend.

Feel the warmth of self-compassion enveloping you.

Shift your focus to your inner dialogue now.

Notice any negative thoughts or self-criticism.

Without judgment,

Gently replace these thoughts with words of self-compassion.

Affirmations like,

I am enough,

I deserve love,

And I am worthy of compassion.

I am enough,

I deserve love,

I am worthy of compassion.

I am enough,

I deserve love,

I am worthy of compassion.

I am enough,

I deserve love,

I am worthy of compassion.

I am enough,

I deserve love,

I am worthy of compassion.

Take a moment to express gratitude to yourself for taking this time for self-care.

Feel the sensations in your body and the peace in your mind.

When you're ready,

Slowly begin bringing awareness back to your surroundings.

Take a few deep breaths and gradually begin to move your body.

Open your eyes gently and carry this new sense of self-compassion with you into the rest of your day.

All the light in me sees all the light in you.

Namaste Yogis.