Dec 2021/Jan 2022 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 51

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recommitting to our self-nurturing practices is motivating and encouraging , and highlights how healing and transformative nurturing ourselves can be . Choosing to reflect on our lives also provides a structure to acknowledge our growth and hold ourselves accountable to our nurturing intentions . Putting aside time for reflection also encourages us to listen deeply to ourselves reinforcing our value and worth .
Over the years I have developed a beautiful ritual of reflection that I regularly use with clients , friends , and family and would love to share with you . I start by inviting in a spirit of curiosity and non-judgement and take a few grounding breaths to connect to the present moment . I then set an intention to reflect on my life with love and compassion , bringing special attention to acknowledge my growth in the five areas of cultivating my self-nurturing practice : cultivating self-compassion , developing more self-awareness , taking inspired action to nurture myself , acknowledging myself and my growth , and deepening my gratitude practice . I light a candle and incense to define this time for myself as sacred , and with my journal and a favorite pen I begin answering the following questions :

1 . What am I most proud of about myself from the past year ? 2 . What was the greatest lesson I learned ?

3 . What self-nurturing practice most supported me ?

4 . Where do I notice my growth when it comes to cultivating my self-nurturing practice regarding :

“ Awareness is like the sun . When it shines on things they are transformed .”

– THICH NHAT HANH
• Cultivating self-compassion
• Developing more self-awareness
• aking inspired action to nurture myself
• Acknowledging myself and my growth
• Deepening my gratitude practice

5 . What do I need to let go of in order to cultivate more peace and joy in my life ? 6 . What area of my life am I currently neglecting ?

7 . What new self-nurturing practice ( s ) will I develop ?

8 . What support do I need to recommit to my self-nurturing practice ?

When I have finished writing I honor the wisdom and insights I have received . I thank myself for taking the time to reflect and to recommit to my self-nurturing practices ,
HEALTH & WELLNESS

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