Nature: the basic or inherent features of something, especially when seen as characteristic of it
Synonym: essence
- What is your nature?
- Try composing a list of a few traits that you honestly embody.
- Don’t think about how others would describe you,
- just try to acknowledge and describe your “true” self.
It’s hard, I know.
From the get go, we are raised with the idea that we must receive external approval to feel validated. So, basically, we are taught to perform. We follow guidelines that were created by external eyes and sometimes it turns us into these finished products that aren’t at all what we know to be true.
- Why did this desire to fulfill outer expectations begin?
- When did we allow for the disconnect from inner self to happen?
- Why is there so much focus and energy spent on manifesting the projection of someone else’s idea of who we are?
With so much time wasted trying to embody the mold of who we should be, we very easily lose touch with who we already are. It’s here that an intentional effort can be made to “get back to one’s roots” as some like to ever-so-tritely say it.
Meditation is a tool that allows us to practice our own self-understanding.
The constant stimuli coming in hard and fast from the external world lessens the control we have over our own mind and body. But, harnessing the power to quiet the worldly noise and turning inward, allows for deep reflection on who we are, and possibly who we want to become.
It’s said that our (humans) “essential nature” or truest self can be described as peace, happiness, and bliss.
Now refer back to the list you created at the beginning of this. The one with the traits you felt described your nature. Well, I can’t speak for you, but my list (oddly enough) didn’t spell out peace, happiness, or bliss in any configuration.
- So now, I reflect. And I ask you to do the same.
- Looking at your list of adjectives, how do you feel?
- Are you proud to showcase these descriptors?
If looking at your list of adjectives leaves you dissatisfied, ask yourself what are adjectives you’d want your true self to showcase? What adjectives would you be proud to show and share with the world?
- Peace?
- Happiness?
- Bliss?
Write another list. Write down the the traits you aspire to embody. Now, with your new list in hand, it’s time to tap into your true nature, inviting those new traits to flood your mind + body.
Effortless Meditation to Let Go & Begin Again
Join me for a meditation practice. Don’t bail, stay with me. If you’re ready to allow these wishful adjectives from your second list to become a part of your true self, this step is necessary. Keeping your eyes closed or your gaze softly focused on your list, begin to slow your breath.
- Inhale, 1 – 2 – 3 – 4.
- Hold.
- Exhale, 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6.
- Repeat.
- Keep this slow breath pace as you continue.
- Allow the belly to fully expand with each inhale, drawing in the qualities of each of the adjectives you have listed.
- Inhaling in peace.
- Inhaling in happiness.
- Inhaling in bliss.
- Hold.
- Exhale.
- Sigh it out.
- Let it go.
- Violently exhale through the mouth or nose.
- Make a noise, audibly releasing the negative qualities you no longer wish to associate with yourself.
- Release, release, release.
- Then start again.
- Inhale love, health, gratitude.
- Exhale anger, jealousy, grief.
To inhale means to inspire.
We fill ourselves up with hope, light, and inspiration.
To exhale means to expire. With each exhale, our expired, rotten, negative qualities seep out of our bodies making room for the positive.
- Inhale inspiration.
- Exhale expiration.
- Let in the living, growing, energetic qualities.
- Release the dead, decaying, spoiled energies that wield no power.
Make this meditation a part of your daily routine. Each morning you’ll hop aboard your journey to your true self and it can start and restart at any moment. All it takes is a clear head, still mind, and a deep breath.
the exhale 