Today I am taking my second oldest child to a university interview. Yes, that tiny little person who would cry if I dared to stop hugging her as a baby and couldn’t even bear to have someone else hold her until she was 18 months old is now an aspiring artist with an offer from her first choice university, but wants to visit another university today to make sure she is choosing the right place for her. 

My child has always been an incredibly deep thinker. She was the one who initiated the project we did on evolution when she was four because she couldn’t figure out where the first person came from. She is planning on taking a year out before going to university and wants to work as an au pair because after she graduates, she wants to pour all her energy into her career so thinks this is her only real opportunity to see something of the world. I know it it won’t be, but it’s a sign of how carefully she considers everything before making a decision and I’m so, so proud of her.

But I’m also sad because in a few short months, my baby will be leaving home. There are small age gaps between all my children, so it won’t be long before the next one goes and then the next, and soon my nest will be empty.

It is on days like these that self-care is important. While us British love to keep a stiff upper lip, trying to ignore or push away emotions isn’t healthy, so I am allowing myself a moment to mourn the ending of one phase in my child’s life before we go and have a fun day together, exploring the place which may become her home for three years. Allowing this sadness to pass makes it easier for me to focus on having a great time with my child, one of the best humans I know. 

One way of supporting this process is through meditation. This little meditation can be done in a few short minutes, so is good if you need to take some time out to ground and centre yourself, lifting your spirits. 

Short self-love meditation

Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and make yourself comfortable, either sitting or lying down. Turn your attention to your breath and simply observe as you allow it to flow without trying to alter it in any way. 

Now inhale deeply, sending that energy towards your heart. See, imagine, feel, or simply know that there is a pink rose at your heart, and with every inhalation, that rose is opening a little more and a little more, its petals unfurling. 

As you inhale, let that rose open more. As you exhale, send out any negativity, any self-doubt, any stress, anything you may be holding onto which no longer serves you. 

When the rose is completely open, sit with it for a moment, feeling how you are filled with love. Silently repeat in your mind, “I am loving. I am loved. I am love.” Say this as many times as you need to really feel the emotion of being loved filling your being. 

As you let the mantra fall silent, continue to breathe loving energy into your heart for a few more cycles, holding yourself in this feeling of love and knowing that you are always capable of loving and appreciating yourself. 

When you are ready, inhale deeply, hold it for a moment, and let it go, releasing the petals of your rose out into the world. Then continue with your day with a greater appreciation for yourself.