Strengthening Your Boundaries

Boundaries are very much a central aspect in the evolution of our species. They are also a universal connecting factor shared with all beings on this planet. To understand proximity and space in relation to everything outside and inside of us is linked to our very survival. When our boundaries are ignored or crossed non-consensually, we are forced to shift our focus to healing and fortification. Many societies, in a lot of ways, are founded on non-consent. And in times like these, it is important to question what makes us feel safe? The more that we deepen our understanding of self, the more we can understand our boundaries on a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual level. This understanding invites us to prioritize autonomy in these realms and strengthen our ability to communicate what is best for us, to ourselves, and others. I invite you to find a comfortable position for yourself to be in during this practice. Begin by centering your breath, allowing it to fill your lungs, swinging and expanding them with each inhale and exhale. Breathing deeply in and out at your own pace. Focus on the way your body is resting on its surface. Releasing any held muscles with each exhale. Letting the weight of your body be held up by the land underneath you. As you breathe in and out, bring your awareness to your body. Picture it connected to the earth as you expand and contract with your breath. Feel its electricity, your circulating blood, your heartbeat, the gentle air from your mouth, vibrating your body with the symphony of your own rhythms, your own sounds, unique to you and only you, resonating with the earth in grounding harmony as you acknowledge the earth's vibrations and unique harmonies that you are also a part of. Allow the awareness of this to ground you as you continue to respond to your body during this time. I invite you to practice shielding your body through visualization. By introducing certain images and thought, you are able to increase feelings of safety and protection to aid you in daily life. Imagine the energy of your body is made of a very strong material, covering you like the armor of a crab or armadillo. Give your armor a feel. Allow it to manifest a color or specific shape. Be creative. In this state, you are impenetrable, immovable, strong. How does your body respond to being armored? Do you move differently? Can you access different environments? Can you navigate certain situations with ease? Notice how this visualization affects your body, your breath, your thoughts. Reinforce this shielding by saying these affirmations out loud or to yourself: I am strong. I am shielded. I am protected. My boundaries are strong. My boundaries are respected. I can say no whenever to whomever. I communicate my boundaries clearly and with ease. I am learning from myself and others. I respect the boundaries of my loved ones. I respect the boundaries of strangers. I respect...