As we move through this month, focused on the allowing phase of metamorphosis, consider this an invitation to take some time to practice one or all of these reflective moments each day. Feel free to modify them, of course, once you’ve given each a try.
Walking meditation
Choose a time when you can walk at least for a few minutes, at half your usual speed. Maybe even more slowly. Barefoot on the earth is lovely, but this can be done anywhere, inside or out — even the short distance between your car and work or the grocery store is perfect!
Find your feet: let the heel, then the ball of your foot, and finally your toes hit the ground as you feel the earth meet you. As you find a rhythm to your stride, much more slowly than usual, begin to add the words to match the cadence of your walk.
Say, either aloud or to yourself, the following:
I am so blessed,
I am such a blessing to the world.
Continue for a few minutes, longer when you’re able. Ten minutes will allow you to sink into the meditation. Making this a daily practice for a week will bring insights about how you allow yourself to be seen, to be received, and to give. Will you allow all three?
Mirror greeting
Very simple, yet very profound, this is perhaps the easiest one and yet often a bit of a challenge.
Choose a time each day, maybe first thing or when you come home. Find an easily accessed mirror, one you can see your full face in.
Take a deep breath, let it go. Look into your own eyes and greet yourself with words that feel a bit “stretchy” to you. “Hello gorgeous.” “Good morning my beloved.” “I see you, my love,” are all good choices.
Allow yourself to greet yourself with compassion, with curiosity, with love. Maybe all three. Maybe more.
This one, over time, allows for self-compassion on many levels.
Freewriting
This practice is an easy way to allow messages you hold to become conscious. You may be surprised by what comes up!
Use an inexpensive notebook or even copy paper, making sure you have plenty of blank pages. Choose a pen or pencil which feels good in your hand and holds plenty of ink or lead.
Set a timer — five minutes is good to begin, up to fifteen minutes as you become comfortable with freewriting.
Write down “I allow…” and finish it with whatever comes up. So, maybe:
“I allow myself to be tired. I allow the dogs to bark. I allow myself to want chocolate. I allow the hate I see in the world. I allow myself to be loved without question.”
Keep the pen on the paper and don’t stop until the timer goes off. If you run out of things to write, just write “I allow” over and over until the next thing comes to mind.
Write without regard to spelling or punctuation or even which language you use.
And once the session ends, if you’d like, you may burn the pages, or tear them up. This allows clearing in an even bigger way.
