Self-Love

Gently direct your attention now to yourself. To the body that carries you through the day. To the breath that comes and goes. Without having to accomplish anything. Notice what it is like, simply to be here. With everything that is present right now. Imagine you meet yourself with a kind gaze. Without judgment. Without demand. Simply with openness. Perhaps you would like to say to yourself: I may be exactly as I am right now. Not perfect. Not complete. And yet, enough. Let this sentence have its effect for a moment. Feel what it is like to meet yourself with gentleness. Perhaps warmth arises. Perhaps resistance. That too may be there. Self-love does not mean finding everything good. But rather not abandoning yourself. Especially when things are difficult. Imagine you place a hand on your heart within. As a sign of connection. Of care. With each inhale, you take in a little kindness. With each exhale, hardness may soften. In whatever way is possible for you today. Allow yourself, for a moment, to want to change nothing. To have nothing to improve. Simply to remain with yourself. When thoughts arise, notice them. And remind yourself: You may meet yourself with goodwill. Again and again.