Meditation: Awakening to your Authentic Self
As we move into the New Year, many reflect on this time as a fresh start, a time to shed the past and embrace the infinite possibilities of what is to come. To do that, we must first learn to release the old. Most of us have a sense of our “identity” that is constructed around roles we play in society. Mother, wife, artist, yoga teacher, student- these are all labels we place upon ourselves to create some solid sense of self. But the fact is that they simply are just ideas. They are not our true self. Our true self is infinite and free of the constraints of social expectation and defined personas. In order to embrace the new for this year, I invite you to join me in this guided mediation for awakening to your authentic self.
Preparation - Find a comfortable seated position, either on a cushion or a chair. Allow your back to be straight, but not rigid. Rest your hands gently on your lap or knees. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose… and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Take three more deep breaths. Inhale deeply… hold… and exhale fully. Again, inhale… hold… and exhale. One last time, inhale… hold… and exhale. Now let your breath settle into a natural rhythm.
Grounding in the Present - Bring your awareness to the sensations in your body. Feel the points of contact where your body meets the surface beneath you. Notice the weight of your body, the rise and fall of your chest, and the gentle rhythm of your breath.
Allow yourself to arrive fully in this moment, letting go of the distractions of the day. If thoughts arise, acknowledge them and let them drift away like clouds passing in the sky. Return your focus to the breath.
Peeling Away the Layers - Imagine yourself standing before a mirror. This mirror reflects not just your physical appearance but also the layers of identities and roles you carry. With each breath, we will gently release one layer at a time.
Layer One: External Roles - As you gaze into this mirror, notice the roles you play in your life—perhaps as a parent, partner, professional, friend. These roles are important, but they are not the entirety of who you are.
With your next inhale, acknowledge these roles. As you exhale, imagine gently peeling them away, like taking off a coat, and placing them aside. Feel a sense of lightness as these roles fall away.
Layer Two: Societal Expectations - Now, notice the expectations and labels society has placed upon you. These might include ideas about your appearance, success, or how you “should” behave.
Breathe in, acknowledging the weight of these expectations. Allow yourself to experience the emotion that arises as you face these expectations, then let the feeling go. As you exhale, let them dissolve like mist in the morning sun. You are not defined by these external pressures.
Layer Three: Beliefs About Yourself - Turn your attention to the beliefs you hold about yourself—the stories you’ve told yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, or limitations. These beliefs may have served you in the past but are not your true essence.
With your next inhale, recognize these beliefs. As you exhale, imagine them gently drifting away, like leaves carried by a gentle breeze. Feel yourself becoming freer with each breath.
Layer Four: Emotions and Attachments - Now, bring awareness to the emotions and attachments you’ve carried. These might include fears, regrets, or desires.
Breathe in deeply, honoring these emotions as part of your journey. As you exhale, imagine releasing them into the universe, creating space for something new and pure to emerge.
Connecting to Your True Self - With each layer removed, feel yourself getting closer to your true self—the part of you that is eternal, unchanging, and deeply connected to the universe. This is the essence of who you are beyond names, titles, or ideas. Allow yourself to rest in this experience of yourself. Take a moment to be in this space of pure being. Feel the peace, clarity, and lightness of your true self. There is nothing to do, achieve, or prove here. Simply be.
Closing the Meditation - When you are ready, slowly begin to bring your awareness back to your body. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Feel the surface beneath you and the space around you.
Take a deep breath in, filling yourself with gratitude for this journey inward, and exhale fully. When you feel ready, gently open your eyes, bringing this sense of self-awareness and peace into your day.
Reflection - You may wish to take a moment to journal any thoughts or feelings that arose during this meditation. What did you discover as you peeled away the layers? How can you carry the essence of your true self into your daily life?
As you move forward into the New Year, return to this meditation as a practice to release and relieve yourself of the expectations and burdens of the past. Embrace your true essence, and watch your own magic unfold! Thank you for taking this time to connect with yourself.
Love + Namaste,
