Resolving to love ourselves

Written By Lisa Vratny-Smith

As we begin this new year there are many opportunities and possibilities ahead, yet there are also many reasons for concern and trepidation. Given this it can feel daunting to take on the weight of the year ahead. Turning our attention a little closer and a little deeper, back home to our inner selves can feel more manageable.

Lori Deschene encourages us to resolve to love ourselves rather than to change ourselves. Turning the love and kindness we offer to those for whom we care toward ourselves can provide the encouragement and support we need. However, this is not an easy task when our habits are often to judge and berate ourselves harshly.

Finding a term of endearment to use towards ourselves is a tool we can use to begin shifting how we speak to ourselves. Terms such as darling, sweetheart, and dear can bring softness to our inner voice. Imagining the compassionate words we might say to another and pairing them with an endearment to ourselves is a lovely place to start. “My dear, how can I support you right now?” “Darling, this is hard and we will get through it.” “Oh sweetheart, it is okay to feel whatever you are feeling.”

If you would like support developing your inner compassionate voice join me for the Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion, Tuesday evenings beginning January 14. The course is an opportunity to learn to use the skills of mindfulness to develop the inner resource of self-compassion and enhance your capacity for emotional wellbeing. This has been a transformative course in my life’s journey and I am honored to share it with you. Read more about the course by clicking the link and feel free to message me with any questions.

Please join me this weekend for Saturday Morning Yoga as we pause, listen to our bodies, and care for them with lovingkindness.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! I have scheduled two Winter Restorative Sound Baths at Harmonist Sanctuary for Saturdays January 25th and February 22nd. There are both in person and virtual options for attending.

There are still 2 spots left in a shared room at our Spring Renewal Yoga Retreat for Women in Fraser, Colorado next April. Gift yourself and/or someone else a nurturing weekend to find connection and renewal through yoga, meditation, time in nature, sound healing, and rest. I am so excited to guide you! Please let me know if you are interested.

EDUCATORS! My colleague Andra Brill and I are finalizing dates with Drala Mountain Center for the MINDFULNESS FOR EDUCATORS RETREAT in June 2025. We will share the dates as soon as they are confirmed and want to let you know that discounted pricing will be available for all participants, new and returning.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!

I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.

As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel. You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.

May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️

Lisa Vratny-Smith
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