All of Me

Sacred Self with Dana Borja | MAR 9, 2025

self
energy
love
compassion
parts
ifs
breath
intention
spirit
inner child

Hello Beautiful Expressions of the Divine,

I begin this week’s reflection the way I begin my practice—with my breath and my intention.

The breath is my anchor, my invitation home. My intention is the gentle thread that weaves me back to my heart when I find myself caught in the loops of anxiety, as I have been this week.

It’s hard to write this because parts of me want to believe—and want others to believe—that all of the somatic work, parts work, and spiritual work I’ve done has freed me from anxiety and doubt. That healing means arriving at a place where these struggles no longer exist.

The truth is, it got pretty bad this week.

A familiar trigger—the feeling of losing control—sent me spiraling back into fear, my nervous system reacting as if I were that young girl again. It may have seemed like nothing to someone else, but to my system, it was a full-body panic.

But here’s what’s different now: these bouts of anxiety happen less often. They don’t last as long. I have a deep well of resources and support, and I am learning, more and more, to meet my anxious parts with love.

I am not my anxiety.

I honor this anxious part for its deep devotion, for the ways it has worked so hard to keep me safe.

We Are All Made of Many

This week, in our Reclaiming Beauty journals, we explored the chapter All of Me, which introduces the idea that we are not just one thing—not broken, not flawed, not defined by a single feeling or experience.

We are made of many.

Each part of us has a voice, a story, and a reason for being. Some parts are loud and protective. Some are tender and shy. Some carry old burdens and don’t yet realize they are allowed to rest.

And at the core of it all, there is always a Self—a steady, compassionate presence that can witness, listen, and lead.

My anxious part, for example, learned long ago that its job was to keep me safe by scanning for danger, preparing for mistakes, and making sure I never upset anyone. It holds a deep fear of failure, of shame, of being cast out.

And I’ll be honest: even now, a part of me just wants the anxiety to disappear.

But when I shift into Self-energy, I soften. I can sit with this anxious part, not as a problem to fix, but as something sacred to know. I can hear its fears. I can feel its exhaustion. I can remind it—gently, patiently—that I am here now. That we are safe.

This is the work.

Not pushing away what feels hard, but bringing curiosity.
Not silencing what hurts, but listening with love.
Not trying to fix ourselves, but remembering that all of us—every part—is already whole.

As I close, I return to my breath, my intention, and the knowing that I am not lost, only remembering my way home.

A Meditation for Meeting a Part with Compassion

Before we explore a part more deeply, let’s take a moment to center ourselves.

  • Find a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take a slow breath in. Let your exhale be long and easy.
  • Feel the weight of your body resting. Notice the support beneath you.
  • Bring your attention to your heart space. Imagine a warm, steady light there. This is the essence of your Self—the part of you that is calm, compassionate, and always present.
  • Now, think of a situation that has been present for you this week. Something that stirred emotions.
  • As you reflect, notice:
    • What sensations arise in your body?
    • What emotions come forward?
    • Are there any thoughts or patterns that feel familiar?
  • See if you can sense the different parts involved. Perhaps one part feels loud and protective. Acknowledge it with gratitude. Let it know you will check in with it later.
  • Now, notice if there is another part—maybe one that is quieter but still present. A part that would like to be seen.

When you’re ready, say a gentle hello. No need to fix or change anything—just notice.

A Gentle Way to Get to Know This Part: Non-Dominant Handwriting

Now that you have met a part in your meditation, you may want to get to know it a little better.

One way I like to connect with parts is through non-dominant handwriting. This practice softens the thinking mind and makes space for deeper knowing, intuition, and creativity to emerge.

Would you like to try?

An Invitation to Dialogue

  1. Find stillness. Take a few breaths. Feel your body settle.
  2. Return to the part you met in meditation. Hold it gently in your awareness.
  3. With your dominant hand, write a few gentle questions. You might ask:
    • Where do I feel you in my body?
    • What are you feeling right now?
    • What do you want me to know about you?
    • What are you afraid would happen if you didn’t do your job?
    • How long have you been with me?
  4. Switch to your non-dominant hand and allow a response to come through. No need to force it. Just notice what emerges.
  5. Stay open. The response might be words, but it might also be scribbles, symbols, emotions, or even a sense of stillness. Whatever comes is enough.

If you feel resistance or frustration, pause. Offer yourself grace. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

Closing Thoughts: Trusting the Process

Learning to hear and understand our parts takes time. Some days, it may feel easy. Other days, it may feel like nothing is happening.

That’s okay.

Just like any relationship, trust is built through small moments of presence.

No matter what, know this:
✨ All of you is welcome.
✨ Every part of you belongs.
✨ You are already whole.

May you return to your breath, your intention, and your knowing.

Making It Sacred

If you feel called, you may want to create a ritual around this practice—something that makes it feel sacred and intentional.

✨ Sip on a special tea.
✨ Light a candle.
✨ Play soft music that soothes your soul.
✨ Find a fun pen, one that makes you smile.
✨ Buy a journal that feels special—one dedicated to embracing All of You.

Let this be a space where all of your parts are welcome. A space where you meet yourself with tenderness. A space where nothing needs to be fixed, only loved.

With love,
Dana

Explore more here: ✨ https://linktr.ee/sacred_self_empowerment

Sacred Self with Dana Borja | MAR 9, 2025

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