Befriend yourself. This is the phrase (mantra) that has been with me this week. 

It’s an important idea. It’s like ‘step one.’ The rest of life, and our relationships with others, become more fulfilling (and easier!) when we cherish the relationship we have with ‘self.’

I always ask my students to please be their own best friend.

Okay, so how do we do that!?!

I come from a place of having my biggest critic exist in my head. I truly used to be my own worst enemy; telling myself very unkind things throughout the day… You’re fat. No one likes you. Why are you here?

Now, the inner critic, (that highlights my overall relationship with self), is pretty quiet. It shows up when I bump into something (I’m a little clumsy!), and I hear my thoughts say a comment like, “REALLY, Michele. Again?” Or, I will wake in the middle of the night thinking about how I can be a better parent and what I need to change. And, the good news is, when these thoughts happen, my next thought will always be ~ “Sweet girl. You are doing great. I love you.”

This shift didn’t happen over night. It took practice and much of it happened on my mat.

The shift can begin in class (then becomes easier to do in the world). 

In class…

✨Give yourself loving presence.✨

Try to view yourself like a new baby or someone you love deeply. Act ‘as if’, until it feels real.

Make choices that honor your present state of affairs…

What does your body need in this moment?

It is different than yesterday, last year and even 60 seconds ago. 

Maybe go at 50% if you are tired and the type that normally goes at 200%. 

Honor your body. Make safe choices. Rest when you are tired. Amp it up when you feel the urge. Notice if you are feeling ease. Are parts relaxed? 

Then, what does your head need? 

Notice when your thoughts aren’t supportive. And, don’t judge yourself for that, just notice. 

And then, breathe in some compassion. 

Try whispering a loving comment to yourself. 

Train your brain to be kind. To be your best friend. 

Listen for the quiet between the noise. 

And then, honor where your heart is. 

Just breathe into ‘what is’ and keep softening. She will beckon and if you are listening, there will be moments to feel and trust and befriend the part of you that is the intuitive guide for the rest. 

Yes, practice befriending your beautiful self. It is your birthright. 

Start with a conscious practice of this idea and then notice how it will weave into every breath.
The rest comes from there. 💗

#befriendyourself #chooselove #breatheinkindness #itbecomeseasiertoforgiveothers #yoga #meditation #startnow