There is a wonderful mindfulness exercise that involves your imagination and traveling time. It helps you gain a new perspective and look at yourself from a neutral point of view. This activity can also help you approach your situation with more self compassion.
It came up two times in the past week for me, and so I wanted to share it with you. The technique is especially helpful when you’re experiencing sadness or anxiety, or some particular hardship that you can’t let go of in your mind.
To start, take a moment and take three deep breaths. Then, imagine that you are walking toward the ocean or the horizon, getting further and further away from where you are sitting at this moment. You can also imagine floating up and out of your home into the sky toward the sun and the moon. You can look down to see the Earth.
Now, imagine that three or 10 or 15 years have gone by, and it’s time to bring your future self back to where you started. Your future self is here to share insights with your current self in your home, by the ocean or wherever you are at the moment.
What advice does your future self give your current self about your current situation? What does your future self want to share with you? Perhaps, that everything will be okay. Or, that you have a lot to look forward to. Or, that this will be in the distant past before you know it. Your future self will likely have compassion for you and your situation.
No matter what your future self shares with you, remember it comes from a place of love. Soak up the love and know there is a bigger picture and support all around you.