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Clinical Resources - Exercises - Self-compassion mindfulness exercise

This exercise was submitted by Margaret Heriot:

This is a mindfulness plus self-compassion exercise for use with Christian clients.
“If you are willing I would like to lead you in an eyes closed, mindfulness exercise. (Get his or her permission). As you get comfortable in your chair, become aware of the sounds your ears are hearing in this moment (Pause). Notice the feeling of the air conditioner blowing air on your hands and face and notice the difference in temperature between the parts of your body which are covered in clothing and the parts which are not (pause). Now gently send your attention to the parts of your body which are in contact with the chair you are sitting on. Feel the pressure of gravity holding your body in the chair. (Pause)
In this next moment, bring your attention to your breath. Notice how it enters your nose, through your throat and down to the center of your body. Remember how God’s breath in Adam’s nostrils caused him to become a living soul. Remember how Jesus’s breath on his disciples imparted the Holy Spirit to them. Breathe in this breath of life now and hold in your core the “peace that passes understand” which Jesus promises us. As you exhale, release all your struggle, judgements, and cares as you allow Jesus to carry them away as He promises to do.
As you experience this peace and acceptance from God, give yourself permission to accept yourself unconditionally, the same way God accepts you. Remember, He loved you before the foundation of the world, before you were born He knew about you. Rest in this center of love and peace for several more breaths. (Pause) You carry the peace of Jesus with you everywhere you go and you can access it at any time by taking a moment like this. Remember we experience God in the present moment.
Now, as we get ready to end this exercise, remember an object in the room which caught your attention when you first came in. Give your body a good stretch and maybe a hug, and open your eyes. “
 

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