It's a cliché that just happens to be true.

When you are a good friend to yourself then you can ride the waves of life's ups and downs while maintaining an anchor to the core essence of yourself. Committing to yourself, your path and your life with loyalty, kindness and engagement.

When you are your own best friend then you feel a sense of belonging, connection to your vitality, comfort in times of darkness and joyfulness in times of light.

I am not talking about a state of personal independence from the world, of course we are always interconnected. And at the same time there is something within each of us that calls for us to claim ourselves as our own best friend. To always be there in times of difficulty, to persevere despite adversity, to offer ourselves shelter, love, curiosity and wonderment.

Do you treat yourself as you would a good friend?

Here are a few ways to support your healing journey as you become a good friend to yourself.

INTENTION

First, set your intention to become a good friend to yourself. You might like to write this down, carry an affirmation with you like "I am a good friend to myself" or display it somewhere you will see it everyday (mirror, office etc.)

Think about what being a good friend to yourself looks like - what would you be doing? What would you be saying? What are the internal messages?

Notice any resistance or blocks that come up for you. Notice any thought patterns, sensations in the body or emotions that arise when you allow the words to settle into your being: "I am a good friend to myself".

You might like to tap on acupressure points with these statements and sensations using Emotional Freedom Techniques, or work with a practitioner. 

Be GOOD TO YOUR BODY

Your sense of self is directly related to your connection to your body. To your awareness of bodily sensations, to the feeling of safety and personal agency within.

In what way can you be better to your body?

How can you bring more softness and ease to your body?

NOTICE YOUR NEEDS

If you have become a bit disconnected from what your body, heart and soul need, you might take some time to reconnect with your needs. These can be physical, emotional, nutritional, environmental, spiritual.

What is calling you? Is it your physical body, your digestive system, your mind, your spirit?

Are you in need of rest, space, nature, quiet, peace, contact, warmth, nourishment, change...? Do you need to move, play, stretch, create, get inspired...? The list is defined by whatever you need.

Consider taking time to nap, meditate, go outdoors, get a massage, eat more healthy foods. Perhaps you need a change of scene, perhaps a yoga class, perhaps singing, perhaps a retreat, perhaps a new study course.

ESSENTIAL OILS

The essential oil Cypress White comes up often for clients in my practice to support being a good friend to yourself. 

Hannah from Spirit of Light, writes that this essential oil from a small Australian tree resonates with the heart chakra to support connection, nurturing and forgiveness of the self. It helps to promote safe, loving and healthy relationships - first with yourself and then others.

Alternatively, you might find Patchouli is easier to source in the UK. This essential oil assists you to become grounded and connected in your physical body, and to reconnect with your heart and spirit.

KINDNESS

Think about how you talk with your friends, or even colleagues or acquaintances. Do you offer yourself the same attention, the same kind state of mind?

Be a little kinder to yourself each day, and watch your own healing happen naturally.

Dissolve mental blocks and set your mindset to become a good friend to yourself with Emotional Freedom Techniques - email bryony@creativesoultherapies.com