When I ran support circles for metastatic cancer patients, we had a practice of affirming anyone who shared something challenging by simply saying together:

We see you.

We hear you.

You are held.

You are loved.

Those affirmations helped the person to feel grounded enough to come a little bit more present to whatever difficult feelings were coming up.

We are, by nature, social creatures, and being energetically held by others has powerful positive biological and psychological effects.

Interestingly, we can also “hold ourselves” energetically in a similar way when we’re all alone. By affirming our own presence in any given moment, we can help to deepen that experience of presence.

 

Here’s the very simple practice:

You can start by sitting in a comfortable chair, on the floor, or lying down. Gently close your eyes or soften your gaze.

Say to yourself: I am seen.

Let yourself take in the idea that in this moment, you are being your own witness.

Say out loud: I am heard.

Take a couple of deep breaths into that as you hear the sound of your own voice.

Say to yourself: I am held

Feel the earth rising up to meet you, notice gravity cradling you into the surface you’re sitting or lying on.

Say out loud: I am loved.

Put your hands on your stomach or your heart and feel the warmth of your own body.

 

You may do this just once, or repeat it many times.

 

Try it and share what you notice with me or someone else.

 

In love & care,

 

Jeannette Bessinger (she/her) – Rev J

Director of Spiritual Development

Westminster Unitarian Church

westminsteruu.org