You Are Enough!

Photo by Flávio Santos: https://www.pexels.com/photo/handsome-young-guy-pointing-at-camera-in-tropics-4566028/

I had the honor of leading a live affirmation session with a large group of employees at a global Fortune 100 company. They were in the middle of a system process change to stay up to speed with the changing landscape of their industry. Any time a company goes through a change like this there is uncertainty and stress involved with the folks carrying out those changes. The same can be said for any of us going through changes professionally or personally.

I could have focused on change management or how to deal with uncertainty, but I elected to lead a session on reaffirming their own value. The people there had long tenures in a high stress, fast paced, industry. This industry is known for "chewing people up and spitting them out." They wouldn't still be there unless they were resilient and capable. No matter how capable this team or any team is, self-doubt can rear up and cause stress and a lack of confidence.

To practice this exercise:

Preparation:

• Turn off your monitors or face away from them if you are at your desk.

• Turn on white noise or soft gentle music if you so choose

Begin the Exercise:

• Sit comfortably, closing your eyes if that feels comfortable to you, or taking a soft gaze in front of you if that feels more appropriate for you.

• Stretch your legs out in front of you and recline your head back against your chair. Take a few moments to practice your box breathing.

• Breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four. Repeat one more time at least.

• Imagine a line tracing up the front side of your body as you inhale and a line drawing down the backside of your body as you exhale.

• Place one hand over your heart and one hand on your lower belly.

• As you inhale, say to yourself "I am" and as you exhale say "Enough"

• Repeat this as many times as you need.

• I suggest at least four to six times

Closing the Exercise:

• Slowly reawaken yourself to your surroundings

• With your eyes still closed or with the gentle gaze proceed with the following steps

• Start by gently wiggling your fingers and toes

• Rotate the ankles and wrists

• End by reaching your arms over head and stretching your feet and legs out as if you are taking an early morning stretch

• Slowly open your eyes and proceed with your day

Simple right? I could see and hear the tension leaving them as we progressed through the affirmation. The conversation was lighter and less tense. Try it and let me know how you feel after you do. Thank you all for allowing me to guide you through this exercise today. I am grateful for each one of you.

-A