Recently I was asked to visualise my inner temple (thank you Angel!). Like a secret garden… filled with the most beautiful flowers I had ever seen. The pathway leading to my temple was powdery white sand and the turquoise sea laps at my feet as I walk. The air is heavy with scent and music seems to play on the breeze.

It’s a humbling and difficult concept to think of your inner self in that way. As something beautiful and precious and pure. And to imagine nourishing and watering your garden of flowers just like you would nurture a real garden. And it got me thinking – “Why do we find being kind and good and nourishing to ourselves so difficult? Why do so many of us still have this confounding belief that we ourselves are the least deserving of our attention and kindness?

Yet I have been trying… and it’s like a re-learning and re-programming. It takes effort and dedication. And some days it’s not easy – but wow, I truly believe that I am building the solid foundations and walls of my temple to support me to be the best I can be. And the results are so subtle, yet undeniable. I have space. Space to make different decisions, space to CHOOSE not to undertake an old pattern and to choose a better one for me and the world around me instead. Space for my relationships to grow and blossom. And space for my truth to be heard. Consider it like getting to know yourself and liking the person that you meet.

Here are some tips… speaking from experience of course…

* Check in with yourself every morning. Even if you time is limited, this can just be a few minutes to feel your body.

* Set your intention the day.

* Be positive and kind in your actions. If you skip breakfast normally, get up and have a cup of tea and fruit at least.

* Begin the day with an affirmation – I like “I am good enough as I am”.

* Begin to speak your truth to people. Do it with integrity and kindness, yet be honest.

* Set your gentle boundaries and honor them: this is honouring yourself

* Do things which make you feel GOOD. When you get past the initial barrier / block and get that endorphin rush after exercise or that feeling of peace after yoga or meditation, you will want more! Make that your new habit.

* If you fall down, don’t berate yourself. Be kind, accept what is and let it go. Life will always be full of ups and downs. It’s how you deal ith the difficult moments that counts.

* Be kind to others too. Think before you react and try to respond. Response is a skillful practice that can be consciously honed… reactions are usually without consideration. Create the space you need to be able to respond.