When you think of meditation you probably imagine a simple method that can be used for spiritual renewal, stress management and inner peace; but did you also know that meditation is a great tool for developing a stronger sense of self-love?
Just the act of sitting quietly and releasing scattered thoughts can go a long way in helping you feel more loving and accepting of yourself, but there are also specific techniques you can use to enhance the process. Here are a few that you may find helpful in your own meditation practice:
1) Surround yourself in a pink cloud of love.
One reason many people lack a strong sense of self-love is because they often feel disconnected from their spiritual center. This meditation will help you to feel spiritually connected and enveloped in a loving embrace.
First, spend a few minutes quieting your mind and relaxing your body. Then imagine a soft pink cloud descending from the universe and settling around your entire body. Imagine that this cloud is comforting and warm, enveloping you like a soft embrace. Allow yourself to feel surrounded with a sense of tender acceptance and nurturing, secure in the knowledge that you are truly loved. Stay with this sensation for as long as you like, and also try to recall the sensation of a warm embrace whenever you feel in need of a little reinforcement.
2) See your true inner beauty.
Are you used to seeing yourself as a flawed, limited physical being? Try creating a new self-image of the REAL you!
Once you have quieted your mind with meditation, call up a mental image of yourself as you would like to be. See yourself at your perfect body weight and size, the type of clothing you would like to wear, the hairstyle you would like to have, and so on. Generate as much detail as you can and include the best qualities and characteristics you have right now, plus any others you would like to develop. Think about your personality, level of confidence, skills and talents, and include them in this new self-image. Imagine this new version of yourself merging with your current self and affirming that you are now one. The more you do this, the more you begin to identify with this dynamic version of yourself, and the more it will begin to shine through in your everyday experiences.
3) Self-Acceptance NOW meditation.
One of the major reasons many people have trouble truly loving themselves is because they think they must become more or better than they are right now in order to be lovable. This meditation will help you learn to accept and love yourself NOW � regardless of any changes or improvements you may make later.
Start by finding a quiet place to lie down where you won't be disturbed. Take several slow, deep breaths and release scattered thoughts from your mind. Relax your body and let go of physical tension, and then gradually imagine your body becoming lighter and lighter until you feel like you are floating. Feel the lightness and peace in your body, and affirm mentally that you are perfect exactly as you are right now. You may also find it helpful to recite a mantra to that effect, such as, "I am whole and beautiful right now. I am full of the light of love. I completely love and accept myself right now."
Though the last two meditations seem to be at odds with each other, they can actually work quite harmoniously together! Loving and accepting yourself now does not prevent you from growing and evolving into the dynamic version of yourself you hope to be. In fact, you'll probably find it easier to grow and evolve if you start with a solid foundation of self-love and acceptance.
These meditations will work best if you do them frequently. Aim for a daily practice, but at minimum a few times a week will be okay too.
