Compassionate Hands

Compassionate Hands is a two-part practice:

First - look at your hands as if you are seeing them for the first time. Notice and observe, without judgement, the shape of your hands, the creases, the veins, the callouses, the scars. Lovingly reflect on the life your hands have lived. The things they have held, opened, cooked, created, warmed, touched, signed, and washed. Consider the hundreds of things your hands do for you each day. Appreciate them. Allow love to flow through them. Thank your hands for being instruments of love in your life. 

Second - now place those hands on your upper arms, chest, belly, or face. Allow the love that your hands show to others, now warm your body. With your hands on your body, express gratitude for the love flowing through you. Tell yourself a true, loving, gentle, kind statement about yourself. 

Take as long as you wish with this practice. Getting comfortable with appreciating your body as an instrument of love into the world is an important part of self-compassion.

Your arms hug people. Your hands hold the hands of children. Your hands greet a stranger as you shake hands and introduce yourself. Your voice shares love with those you speak to. Your face expresses warm kindness in your smile.

Now, mirror this love you give to others to yourself. 

Throughout your day, pause to do this Compassionate Hands practice and you will notice a calming, peaceful, loving alignment occur in your body and mind. 

Sending you love,