Note: I believe that the 3D game was rigged before any of us ever entered the playing field. We were programmed to believe that only winning was acceptable, even as we were set up to fail. And that if we couldn't win, ultimately, we could at least stay busy and reward ourselves for it. The result was that we were disempowered, and separated from our natural inclinations toward self-care, self-love, self-acceptance and forgiveness. "You're either right or you're wrong." - I suggest a third option: radical love, compassion and acceptance while we walk off the field and into a game we're guaranteed to win. The one where we come home to ourselves and reclaim our power. I offer this meditation as a gentle way to move in that direction.
The Guided Self-Love Meditation
Before you begin, would you like to make this meditation a more cozy and nurturing experience? Try soothing background music, or lighting your favorite candle.
Take time for a cup of tea, or make a pot that will be ready when the meditation ends. Wear fuzzy socks and sink into fluffy pillows.
If things are as cozy as you want them, you're ready to begin...
Get more comfy in whatever position would feel best right now. Maybe you need a moment to stretch? Do whatever feels right for your body at this moment.
Gently close your eyes, letting the outside world fade away, turning your attention inward. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, imagine releasing any tension you've been carrying today.
With each breath, allow yourself to sink more deeply into relaxation, feeling that relaxation smooth out any remaining tension, anywhere in your body.
Now, take a moment to visualize a warm, soft light glowing just above your head. It carries a very soothing energy that you are about to experience.
As you breathe in, this light begins to descend, gently touching the top of your head and beginning to soothe you, leaving behind peace and warmth as it goes. Allow this light to move slowly down your body, from your head to your toes, enveloping you in love and compassion.
Notice how it feels to be surrounded by & filled with this loving energy.
Let it dissolve any judgments you've been holding against yourself.
While you are basking in this loving energy, think of moments in your life where you wish you had made different choices, or moments where you wish you had reacted in a different way.
Claim this love you're feeling as your own and offer it to each memory, along with acceptance and forgiveness. With a deep breath in, gather all the regret, guilt, or sadness you've been holding onto.
As you exhale, imagine sending forgiveness to yourself, letting those stories go, with love and compassion. Remember, you are doing the best you can with the knowledge and resources you have at any moment.
Continue to breathe in self-compassion and breathe out forgiveness, noticing that you feel lighter with each breath.
Place one or both hands over your heart and let yourself feel these words...
I deserve my own love. I accept myself no matter what. I forgive myself.
Allow these words to echo in your mind, your heart and your body. Make a commitment to honor yourself and empower yourself with love every day.
When you feel ready, gently bring your awareness back to the present, wiggling your fingers and toes, and when you’re ready, open your eyes.
Allow these feelings of self-love, acceptance, and forgiveness to go with you as you move through your day, and give yourself heaps of kindness.
If you need to connect with this experience again, know that you can return to this space whenever you need a reminder of your new commitment.
Self-Love Mini Book
This is the 7-page self-love chapter from my 7 Cozy Rituals eBook, and includes a ritual ideas checklist for loving yourself more, a list of self-love journal prompts, another self-love meditation and an essential oils self-love body spray recipe.