I swallow my free, true self

As you sit on the log you hear rustling in the forest. You look behind you and see the trees moving, but you cannot see anything else. You look ahead again, only to notice footsteps in the grass, as if someone invisible is standing on it, right in front of you. In your mind you ask: Who is there? Show yourself. (pause for 3 sec). As you look very carefully you notice three people starting to appear in front of you as if out of thin air. First, it seems they are made of light and fog, then they turn into solid flesh, right there in front of your very eyes. (pause 2sec) As you are watching this, you realise the people who are appearing are three versions of your own self. Your task is to have a good look at each one of them. The one on your left is the version of you who is always concerned with other people’s expectations. Perhaps those of your parents, your teachers or someone else. Look at this version of yourself. (pause 2sec) Feel how this one feels inside. Look at the eyes. Do you feel guilt in this version of yourself? Disappointment? Where is the sensation in your body? Find it. (pause 4 sec) Let go of that. Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out, let this feeling leave your body. Just let it go. (pause 3 sec) Now, turn
your attention to the version of yourself on the right. This one contains all your dreams, aspirations, your hopes and your wishes. Feel this one too. Feel all the dreams, all the aspirations and all the desires bubbling like bubbles on water …. (pause 3 sec) Imagine how would it feel to have them all come true? Imagine that one by one, each dream is fulfilled. How does it feel to be the dream? (pause 5 sec) Now look straight ahead of you. Right in front of you is your true self. Your real self. Look at your true eyes. They are pure. They are calm; they are looking right inside of you. Smile at your true self. (pause 3 sec) This version of you is always in the right place and in the right time; this one is always present in the now. Look at your true eyes. Ask yourself these questions: What is it that you really want? What is is that really makes you happy? (pause 3 sec) self. Do you have a message for me at this time? (pause 5 sec). See your true self glow with a very bright light, and see your ‘self’ on the left be pulled to this light and merge with it. (pause 3 sec) Now see your ‘dreams and aspirations self’ also pulled to your glowing, beautiful self and merge into it. (pause 3 sec) Now in your mind’s eye, open your mouth, take a deep breath and, as you breathe in, inhale your true self into your heart. (pause 4 sec) Take another breath. This time, as you exhale, breathe out any residue of anything heavy, anything not true to you, let it leave your being. As you breathe in again, feel the light from your true self expand and sink through your chest to the rest of your body, all the way to your feet. It fits perfectly. (pause 4 sec) Gently focus on your feet again. Remember you are sitting on the log. In your mind stand up and walk back to the forest. Focus on your bare feet on the forest floor, feel the cool bed of leaves touching your toes and your heels. (pause 3 sec) Now slowly bring your awareness to this room. Feel your feet on the ground. Feel your roots deep in the ground. As you keep focus on your feet, bring your awareness to this room now fully. Become aware of the chair under your body. Listen for the sounds around you. Bring your mind back to your feet. Where are they? Can you feel them? Gently wiggle your toes. Feel the full sensation of the floor beneath your feet. Slightly press them on the floor. Wiggle your fingers and rub your palms. Move your shoulders. Take a deep breath. When you are ready slowly open your eyes, first looking down then up and up until you are looking straight ahead. Do this in your own time. When your eyes are open give yourself a good stretch if at all possible in silence to give others space to do the same in their own time.