Embracing the inner self through sensory connection

In the middle of the spectrum

lies two versions of yourself

the one which you curate yourself

that enables you to embrace your inner demons

to be the person you're meant to be

& the other

in which you're fearful to face

whatever life throws at you

you are meant to be where you are

for some,

this cripple their beliefs

that they're a mess

that they're beyond repair

when all these illusions prevents them from living the truth

This is your life

this is your story

own it

flaunt it

never lose sight of who you are supposed to be

You may find yourself in unforeseen circumstances

but that's not who you are

even if you can't accept who you are

there's someone out there with you right now who accepts who you are

and where you are in your journey

let me invite you to try a thought exercise

Begin by finding a place of solitude. A place where you can focus solely on you.Get comfortable and relax, whatever that means for you. It might be yoga, meditation, or just sitting on the couch with a beverage in hand. Do whatever you need to do to give yourself permission to not worry about anything, to be present with you and only you.When you feel relaxed, continue reading.?Think about a time when you felt most joyful. Choose a memory that radiates joy.Imagine yourself there, now, witnessing that moment in third-person. Pretend you’re a cloud hovering above, watching your past self live out this memory.Where are you? Visualize the surroundings. Are there any other people around? Visualize the expression on each face. How old are you? What are you wearing? Visualize the expression on your face. you watch the joy radiate from your past self, take note of the sounds, the smells, the different textures of clothing—anything you can sense beyond sight, and immerse yourself in that joyful experience.?It may take a little time, and the feeling may be faint at first, but joy will soon start to radiate within you. When it does, take a moment to give your joyful self a big ole, imaginary hug. Do the same with anyone else present in your memory. Linger here as long as you’d like. When you’re ready, continue reading.

Slowly, bring your awareness to your current surroundings, observing with sight only. What shapes do you see? What colors do you see? Then, allow your other senses to chime in naturally. What does the air smell like? What does the air feel like on your skin?Through this sensory connection, you will continue to feel joy radiating, because something exciting is happening right now: Your former, joyful self is there observing you. And they have a message they need to deliver right away. To receive it, there is only one requirement. You must be able to face them eye-to-eye.?

To do this, find your own image. Look in a mirror, open up the camera on your phone, seek out your reflection in a bowl of water. As you and you look into each other’s eyes, say hello or give yourself a nod. Then, as best as you can, recreate the expression on your face from that joyful moment.?Now, it’s time to hear the message from your former self. To hear it, you must say it. Repeat these words to yourself out loud, eye-to-eye, without looking away. It’s okay if it takes a thousand tries.“I love you. I love you. I love you. I know you’re doing the best you can, and I love you just the way you are. You are exactly where you need to be.”