Witness Kindness

Yesterday, we opened the door to honoring our past selves. Today, we step through it with compassionate witnessing. Think of a past stage of your life, perhaps a challenging period, a younger you making different choices, or even a version of you from just a few years ago. Instead of immediately dissecting or critiquing, simply observe.

Weekly Affirmation

I honor all past versions of myself with kindness and acceptance, embracing the wholeness of my story.

Somatic Steps

Perform a gentle shoulder roll, releasing any tension you might be holding. As you roll your shoulders back and down, imagine literally unburdening your physical self from past weights. Feel the lightness as you invite compassion into your body.

Daily Scripture

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." — Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

Psalm 103:8 paints a picture of our Creator: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." If the Lord extends such vast compassion to us in our imperfections and past missteps, how much more should we strive to extend that same grace to ourselves? Imagine you're watching a dear friend from afar, seeing their struggles and triumphs with empathy. Extend that same gentle, non-judgmental understanding to your past self. Remember the context, the limited perspective, the emotions, and the wisdom of that time. See your past self through eyes of grace today.

Journal Prompts

• Recall a difficult period in your past. If you could speak to that past self, what compassionate words would you offer them, knowing what you know now?

• Think of a specific decision a past version of you made. Can you identify the resources, knowledge, or emotional state they likely had at that time?

• How can reflecting on compassion and graciousness help you extend kindness to your past self?