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This is how to forgive yourself on self-critical days

Knowing how to forgive yourself is important. We can all be our worst self-critics and we’ve all been there: endless racing thoughts, constant self-loathing, replaying the things you’ve said and done over and over in your mind. In Buddhism, this state of restlessness is known as ‘monkey mind’. When your mind is behaving like a naughty monkey sitting up in a tree, screaming at you, bullying you and throwing random thoughts your way, which are difficult to ignore.

 

In times when forgiveness for yourself seems impossible, it’s important to find a tool in your wellbeing toolkit that can help. A way to silence negative thoughts and make sure insecurities and self-criticism don’t dominate. All of which can feel like it’s easier said than done. But this forgiveness meditation focuses on calming the mind, being present in the moment, reducing feelings of guilt, as well as finding inner peace and balance. Remember, we all make mistakes. You have to learn from them, forgive yourself, and others, and move on, this meditation will help.

 

Anna Scott Miller

Anna Scott Miller

After an intensive yoga teacher training at Delight Yoga Amsterdam, among others, Anna Scott Miller teaches Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin and Hatha Yoga at Delight Yoga, Equal Yoga, the New Yogaschool and Yoga Academy Netherlands (YAN). Interested in living more mindfully? Then Anna is your go-to yogi. She has a lot of experience in teaching meditation, Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Yoga Nidra. What she really loves to do in her spare time? Being out in nature, bouldering, seeing friends and taking the time for self-development. Oh! And travelling. Every year she visits her yoga teachers in Bali and India.