"If you've been criticising yourself for years, try approving of yourself and see what happens!" - Louise Hay
While many of us may find it easy to be kind and caring to others, it can be a different story when it comes to ourselves! Instead of treating ourselves the way we would a good friend, we often berate and put ourselves down, we listen to the voice of our inner critic and act as though others are more worthy of kindness and care than we are.
The most important relationship we have is the relationship with ourselves. It is the foundation from which our other relationships flourish. Think of it, you're in a bad humour, the voice of your inner critic has been ringing in your ears all day...how do think you'll treat those around you? On this short programme you begin to learn how to be your own best friend. Kind and caring to yourself. This is not self-pity, self-indulgence or a cop out. It doesn't mean you'll sit down and watch your favourite TV programmes for weeks on end. Becoming your own best friend means you learn how to nourish yourself on your path to wellness. We are authentic and caring with ourselves, when our inner critic comes to the fore, we learn how to be our own best friend, we listen to our wise voice, we take action or non-action where needed and over time we learn to befriend our inner critic.
The spiritual teacher Ram Dass says: " I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion... and where it isn't that's where my work lies"
This programme is designed to echo this quote, we look at those areas where love, kindness and compassion are heartfelt and also at those areas where we can build on the self-care and kindness that will help us flourish and grow.
Week 1: Loving Kindness Daily Practice and Meditation - Be your own best friend.
Week 2. Exploring what to do when your inner critic shows up.
Week 3. Starting from where you are right now
Week 4. Developing your own self-care plan for the future.
Week 5. Mindful Practices as you go forward being your own best friend.
Next programme in April - please enquire for details.