Back Pocket 3rd Party Verification
Sometimes we believe everything that we tell ourselves. Other times we require third party verification.
We often take the ideas the mind feeds us without leaning in to gently ask, “Really? It’s possible this is true, but maybe we should look at the data.”
Which of the messages below are you more inclined to believe when it comes from yourself vs. someone else:
* I am whole and good just as I am. I am worthwhile. I have skills and wisdom. I am lovable and loving.
or
* I am a pain in the you-know-what. People tolerate me but don’t really like or love me. I never get it right.
If the first bucket feels right to you, we are over the moon for you! You are whole and good just as you are. You are worthwhile. You do have skills and wisdom. And you are lovable and loving. And the best news is, you don’t need anyone to tell you that - you know that as truth already.
For many people, the messages in the second bucket feel more believable. As we begin to tune in to the messages that our mind generates and sends our way, we can develop some space between the messages and ourselves, and we can begin to say, “Hmmm….. I don’t need to accept this as truth.” And that can be followed by, “What would my best friend/parent/child/pet say about me?” Chances are, when we tap in to what our loved ones feel about us, a different picture will emerge. Once we spend a little time taking in this new set of data, we can repeat to ourselves what our loved ones would say about us. For example, “I am kind. I am patient. I care for others. I am witty and wise. I matter to others.” And we can notice what it feels like to hear this from ourselves after hearing it from someone who appreciates us.
We can follow the above exploration with this practice:
Picturing a loved one sitting right in front of you, sense into the shared space between and around you, seeing if you can feel how they look at you with care. And then imagining them offering you the following wishes, “May you be well. May you live happily, in peace and with ease. May you know you are loved and loving. May you know you are whole and good just as you are.” See if you can soften in the shoulders and, sitting with an open heart, take in these wishes, noticing how it feels. And then, if you like, offering these same wishes back to your loved one.
May all beings everywhere know as truth their own goodness,
Your friends at CMP
Guided Meditations
Visit the CMP website www.CommunityMindfulnessProject.org for guided meditations. You'll find them on the Guided Meditations page under the Resources tab.
