Sure, it’s always nice to share the good stuff. It was a variety of tools I used after recovering from my relationship with a covert narcissist, including learning self-hypnosis (e.g. by R. Morren). This greatly helped and also had positive effects on other practices, as it taught me to get into deeper touch with myself and to realize that I’m in charge.
My first personal experience with inner child work was with Melanie Tonia Evan’s modules and at this early stage of recovery it was great support, especially as there was no-one around who I could have talked to back then. I hadn't discovered Myptsd, yet.
When I meditate, I initially often picture myself standing in front of a big tent on a hilltop, about to enter. I’m holding a parcel in my hands – inside are all my thoughts, all my concepts about how things are or appear – and before entering the tent I place it down on the grass and leave it there. Now I can enter with a free, empty mind.
Another exercise I love (wouldn’t call this meditation), is giving myself ease and compassion:
First I relax my body, lying down, for at least 5 to 10 minutes (there are many ways, I’m sure you have your own favorites. One I really like, is visualizing healing light travelling through your body from head to toe, saying to yourself “this light now touches my head (on so on), relaxes thoroughly and heals” and paying attention to any feeling like prickling e.g. Then: “I breath into this part of my body. My breath opens, cleanses and lets the healing energy flow freely.”)
Then you place your hand over your heart. Oxytocin starts kicking in. This mere physical touch, even from our own hands, already triggers the flow of the hormone.
You breathe into the center of your heart and out of it. Deeply. And again.
Now imagine breathing in love, ease and compassion (I usually do it one by one). Imagine giving it to yourself. See yourself doing it. Breathing it into your whole body, because you are worthy of receiving this.
This would also be a good time for self-hypnosis, as you’ll be in a very relaxed and positive state, opened to positively contributing suggestions.
One of the most helpful books on the topic of self-love I’ve found to date, is Gay Hendrick's "Learning to love yourself".
All the best!
X
