A Woman’s Place…
I Am the Light of My Soul
In an uncertain world, one of the most important things we can do, as women, is to develop a soothing self-care practice.
We were created by the Goddess, in Her image, and we carry a spark of Her radiant love for us.
It is unfortunate, then, that the world does not see us as Goddesses, nor do many even see Her, and so women, in our current society, are seen as *less than* we really and truly are. We must remember that, as Her daughters, we carry Her in our heart and, in so doing, project Her presence out into the world. It is, therefore, paramount that we take special care of ourselves for we are part of the Divine.
We live in a society that looks down upon us, a society that leeches our self-esteem and confidence, that teaches us to doubt ourselves, to be in competition with our Sisters. This is the reality that we come of age in, that we struggle against, or give up and accept for to fight becomes exhausting in that it is a daily battle.
We must constantly remind ourselves that we are of and by Goddess. We must keep ourselves strong and confident, able to face the world and all that is thrown at us, especially in an unstable political climate. We are, each of us, unique in our own way and we must never forget that we are beautiful and extraordinary. We must love one another, and love ourselves.
It is my thought that any self-care practice should include a self-blessing. There is a beautiful one from Z Budapest that can be found here:
You can also also simply bring your dominant arm up over your head, palm down, but not touching the crown. Focus on the energy radiating down from your palm, blessing yourself in the Goddess’ name, as well as asking Her for Her blessing. To me, this is something akin to Drawing Her Down during Full Moon. Any soothing meditative music would be a fine accompaniment.
As a Kundalini Yoga Teacher for over 20 years, I know how pranayama (breathwork) and meditation can help in a self-care practice. As such, I offer the following breath exercise.
Self-Care Breath
Sit in easy pose (cross-legged, straight spine)
Rest your hands on your knees.
Place your hands over your heart center, right hand over left
Eyes are closed, focused on the heart chakra
Your mouth will be open to make a circle.
Inhale through the mouth and suspend the breath,
Mentally vibrating the mantra
“I am beautiful, I am innocent, I am innocent, I am beautiful”
Exhale through the nose.
Do this for at least 3 minutes.
There is a meditation that is perfect to follow this breath exercise. It reminds us that we are beautiful, bountiful and blissful. It affirms that we are the light, the light of our own souls. Stay seated in a cross-legged position, with hands on the heart center. Visualize a radiant white light around your heart, and that it is filled with love and compassion for yourself.
Listen to this beautiful mantra:
Let yourself become fully immersed in the music, believing the words, holding them to your heart. Let a smile come to your lips as you remind yourself how wonderful, special and unique you are!
I am the light of my soul.
You are the light of your soul.
***
About the Author:
Susan Morgaine is a Daughter of the Goddess, Witch, Writer, Teacher, Healer, and Yogini. She is a monthly columnist with PaganPages.org Her writings can be found in The Girl God Anthologies, “Whatever Works: Feminists of Faith Speak” and “Jesus, Mohammed and the Goddess”, as well as Mago Publications “She Rises, Volume 2, and “Celebrating Seasons of the Goddess”. She has also been published in Jareeda and SageWoman magazines. She is a Certified Women’s Empowerment Coach/Facilitator through She is the author of “My Name is Isis”, one in the series of the “My Name Is………” children’s books published by The Girl God Publications. A Woman International, founded by Patricia Lynn Reilly. She has long been involved in Goddess Spirituality and Feminism, teaching classes and workshops, including Priestessing Red Tents within MA and RI. She is entering her 20th year teaching Kundalini Yoga and Meditation, being a Certified instructor through the Kundalini Research Institute, as well as being a Reiki Master. She is a member of the Sisterhood of Avalon. She can be found at https://mysticalshores.wordpress.com/ and her email is [email protected]