Being Your Own Friend

Each of us knows how to be a friend to others. We know how to access the deep well within of kindness, compassion and care. We know how to comfort a friend who is struggling, how to tend to a loved one in need. How many of us know how to give this level of love and solace to ourselves? This idea, of turning towards our own struggles and woes with friendliness and care forms the very foundation for healing.

Earlier this week I taught a class at the rehab centre where I work. This session was around becoming your own friend. I watched as metaphorical light bulbs lit up all over the room. One man in his 50s got very emotional when he realised how much of his life he'd spent abandoning himself. This grief is real and can be so painful that some people turn away from befriending themselves to avoid feeling it.

Another barrier to becoming our own friend can be our inner skeptic or cynic - the part of us that sneers and rolls its eyes at the new-agey sounding concept of "befriending ourselves". When this form of resistance comes up, bless it and befriend it. Your skeptic has kept you safe in the past. Reassure this part of yourself that you're okay now, that it's okay to soften your defenses.

Are you interested in getting some support with befriending yourself? Could you use some practices that bring you into relationship with your deep inner well of goodness and self-kindness?
 
My next trauma sensitive online yoga and meditation course, Yoga for Resilience, starts Tuesday, 4 May at 10:00am Sydney time. Together we will be exploring themes, gentle movement and meditations that support and encourage adaptability to the stressors of life and trauma.

If the live time suits, great, I would love to have you there. If you can't make the live time, I also record the classes and so you are welcome to "attend" that way.

The $95AUD investment in this six week course includes the live classes, video recordings of the classes, audio recordings of the final meditations and six emails packed with supporting resources from my favourite sources.

If you would like more support than a group online class, I also offer one-to-one sessions, with a buy three get one free deal. One-to-one sessions can be conducted online or in-person in Byron Shire.

I am passionate about being an ally for your healing and well-being. Please let me know if I may be of service.