Guided Imagery: Hug Yourself

Bubbling brook with guided imagery

Guided Imagery

Begin by settling in allowing your body to be comfortable and at ease.

Connecting to the breath in whatever way is useful to you today.

Feeling your body move as you bring in the inhale and as you release the exhale.

Finding some comfort in the rhythm of the breath.

The constant reminder that the present moment is always happening.

And as you close your eyes, bringing to mind someone or something that you feel loving and kind and compassionate towards.

It might be somebody you know or somebody who's no longer alive.

Might even be a fictional character.

Just bringing to mind someone that you feel love towards.

A kind, compassionate, genuine, joyful love.

allowing the corners of your mouth and your eyes to gently turn up. As you think about them, allow your face to express joy and happiness.

At the same time, noticing if there are different aspects of that love, maybe a clinging or a condition.

And if so, perhaps finding a different object, a different person, even something like a fuzzy bunny or a little kitten, and imagining that you are holding or hugging this person, feeling our arms wrap around them.

Feeling their body sink into yours with ease, softness, and through your touch, through the warmth of yourself, you are sending love, compassion, and safety through your embrace.

Noticing the feelings that you have inside of you as you send this love to this person.

As you gently envelop them with your love, with your protection.

Saying gratitude to them for being here with you in this visualization, of happiness and joy,

and allow them to gently disappear and fade away from your attention. In your awareness once more. It may be somebody who is not real.

That's okay.

Maybe it's a spiritual guide or an angel or just somebody imaginary.

If you imagine somebody who loves you unconditionally, allowing this person in your mind to intently hold you, hug you, surround you with their kind and warm loving embrace.

Maybe you can feel yourself sinking into them, your head gently resting on them, feeling their heart beating and the rhythm of their breath and allow that to bring comfort to you.

Maybe they are saying some kind comforting words, gently stroking your hair, rubbing your back.

Allow them to offer you empathy and allow yourself to receive it.

Soften into it.

Give yourself permission to have and receive empathy expressed towards you.

And give yourself permission to sit in the compassion and allow yourself to enjoy it.

to find comfort in it.

Allow yourself to release and just breathe with the sensations.

Making this visualization as vivid in your mind and your body and all of your senses as possible.

Allowing your body to take the shape of being embraced.

Imagining the sights and the smells, the textures.

allowing your mind to fully take in the experience.

Let yourself heal.

And you may sit this way for as long as you need.

When you're done sending gratitude to your benevolent being, for their comfort, for their energy, saying gratitude to yourself for taking these few minutes to give yourself compassion,

care, and the attention that you definitely definitely deserve.

Namaste.

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Tamara Kinoshita is guided by a clear set of values: empathy, strong communication, thoughtful challenge, efficiency, knowledge, community, trustworthiness, and whole-being health. These principles shape how Tamara chooses to invest time and energy—and they show up consistently in the results.

As an educator, manager, and independent contractor, Tamara has built a reputation for breaking complex ideas into accessible, meaningful steps that empower people to grow. Across industries, Tamara combines creativity with structure to turn good intentions into positive, lasting change.

As a secondary health, biology, yoga, and social-emotional learning teacher, Tamara works with a wide range of personalities, learning styles, and lived experiences. Creating inclusive, welcoming environments where people feel safe to engage and thrive is a core strength.

Mentoring others to feel confident and in control of their health and wellbeing is where Tamara truly lights up. While highly skilled in the logistical and administrative side of the work, Tamara’s greatest strength lies in building genuine human connection. A passion for helping people, supporting whole-person wellness, and continuously learning allows her to adapt quickly to individual needs while maintaining compassionate accountability. Clients trust the process, and enjoy it! That's because Ms. Kinoshita brings clarity, credibility, and a sense of play that makes growth feel engaging rather than overwhelming.

Christina "Luckygirliegirl" Aldan is a licensed massage therapist in Las Vegas, Nevada specializing in Therapeutic Massage using techniques like Myofascial Release (MFR), Swedish, Sports, Soft Tissue Manipulation, and more. Luckygirl Bodywork of Las Vegas integrates clinical reasoning with restorative bodywork to help clients improve function, reduce pain, and build long-term well-being. Even clients suffering with work-related repetitive stress injuries, chronic pain, or old sports injuries/scarring have found relief during Christina's professional massage sessions. She facilitates your healing journey so you can Create Your OWN Luck!

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