Self care is so important. We are the microcosm of the the universe. Therefore, the more internal peace we can promote, the better for all within the macrocosm. In cultivating internal peace, it’s important to make sure the self is well developed and loved by YOU!
We need to figure out who we are, what we respect, where our boundaries are. It’s what keeps us authentic as individuals, it keeps the wrong people for us out of the circle naturally and keeps the right people in the circle. Authentic boundaries draw the right people to us by emitting the self love and respect that we have for ourselves.
We need to be kind and loving to ourselves by monitoring our inner dialogue and having a positive, loving voice.
Having compassion for others where they are, is another piece to a life beautifully lived. But we cannot be all things to all people. We need to be authentically who we are and offer what we uniquely have to give. If we are being asked to sacrifice what we stand for in order to please others, then it’s time to step aside and let someone else fill that role instead.
Signs are offered along the journey. It is when we are truly present in “the now” that we are able to “pay attention” and recognize what is going on around us. When we meet personal challenges by using our inner compass without emotion or drama, we do so with a great inner strength and a solid outcome. There will be no need to repeat the challenge.
Suffering is a part of life just as joy is. It is unavoidable but promotes enormous growth. Suffering develops compassion within us and knowledge that there is balance in all things. The more we can stay in the present moment and anchor our breath, the easier it is to acknowledge the suffering and let the emotion pass through.
Meditation helps to focus on the breath. Breath is the action that anchors us in the present moment. Meditation brings attention to the emotions and the energy of those emotions into consciousness. As we breathe and sit with the emotion, we are able to allow the emotion to pass through. The breathing changes. The tension in the body changes. Insight is gained. The outlook is re-calibrated and peace renewed. We go forth in a more conscious manner. Conscious of what we put out and how we feel within. Able to process life in a conscious way.
Breathing Meditation:
Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Sit with a straight back not leaning against anything. Legs crossed or legs out in front of you with feet planted on the floor. Hands relaxed, eyes closed.
Focus mentally on your abdomen and the movement of the abdomen with your breath.
Breathe easily. Notice what your breath feels like.
For these 5 minutes you are to park your worries aside and focus entirely on your abdominal breath. You may pick up your worries later.
Breathe into the tension within your body. Breathe into the emotions. Just breathe.
Self Love Meditation:
Follow the instructions for Breathing Meditation above.
Now with each exhallation, emit loving energy from your heart center.
Recycle the loving energy by absorbing it back to your heart in a cyclic motion.
Breathe. Emit and receive love.
Loving Kindness Meditation:
Follow the breathing meditation directions above. Begin with breathing until you have a sense of centeredness.
From your heart center, send out peaceful or loving energy with the following intention:
May I be safe.
May I be happy.
May I be healthy.
May I live with ease.
Then mentally think of someone who has been nice to you and send out peaceful or loving energy with the following intention:
May you be safe.
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you live with ease.
Then select someone who is having a difficult time and send out peaceful or loving energy with the following intention:
May you be safe.
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you live with ease.
Select someone that you don’t know very well:
May you be safe.
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you live with ease.
Then select someone that you are having difficulty with:
May you be safe.
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you live with ease.
If that is too hard, then go back to sending it to yourself until you can.
Lastly, send:
May all beings everywhere, known and unknown, near and far be safe.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings be healthy.
May all beings live with ease.
Breathe and center. Beautiful!
