Mad $ociety

Here is a guided meditation you can use to help build self-esteem. Sit in a comfortable position, with your back straight, breathe in as you read the breathing in lines and breathe out as you read the breathing out lines.

Breathing in, I am aware of my breath going in

Breathing out, I am aware of my breath going out

Breathing in, I am present in my body

Breathing out, I am present in time and space

Breathing in, I invite a new perspective on myself

Breathing out, I empty my mind

Breathing in, I give myself the gift of fresh air

Breathing out, I give back to the world

Breathing in, I recognize that I suffer from my self-esteem

Breathing out, I wish to change that habit

Breathing in, I recognize that I am human

Breathing out, I know that being human hurts

Breathing In, I feel the pain and sadness

Breathing out, I give that to the world

Breathing in, I feel the world’s suffering

Breathing out, I send the world peace

Breathing in, I am connected to all people

Breathing out, I wish people to be free of suffering

Breathing in, I am connected to myself

Breathing out, I wish to be free of suffering

Breathing in, I invite peace into my life

Breathing out, I share peace with the world

Breathing in, I see all people are equal

Breathing out, I join the sea of equality

Breathing in, I am no better than anybody

Breathing out, nobody is better than me

Breathing in, I am only what I am

Breathing out, I am enough

Breathing in, I connect with my essential goodness

Breathing out, I share my goodness with the world

Breathing in, I know new thoughts may unsettle me

Breathing out, I let my thoughts go.

Breathing in, I am present in my body

Breathing out, I am present in time and space

Breathing in, I am aware of my breath going in

Contestants in the 2017 Miss Peru competition used their platform to bring awareness to violence against women.

Instead of stating their body measurements when they stepped up to the mic, the women reported statistics like “the 65% of university women assaulted by their partners” and “more than 80% of women in my city suffer from violence.”

I have a wonderful life.

There are no such things as problems in my life, only challenges that allow me to learn and become better.

I am always guided and protected.

It’s easy for me to achieve success.

Success is my natural state of being.

I love and am loved. 

I always have everything I need. 

I am a naturally happy person.

I am surrounded by people who love and appreciate me.

I have more money than I know what to do with.

Abundance is my birthright.

Love surrounds me everywhere I go.

I am successful.

My life gets better every day.

Miracles always happen in my life.

I am grateful for all the wonderful things I have.

The Universe loves and supports me.

I am powerful.

I am strong.

I am healthy and full of energy.

I can achieve all my goals.

I take care of my body and mind.

I fill my mind with positive, uplifting thoughts.

Everything that happens in my life leads to my success, health, and happiness.

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Be Steadwell - Self described “Queer pop” musician. Her style mixes soul with acapella and folk, and her lyrics are usually explicitly gay. Her latest album “Queer love songs” should be on all our pride playlists.

Domo Wilson - 23 year old lesbian rapper/independent artist and youtuber. She released her debut album “hear me now” this year and it’s very emotional and heartfelt. I’d also reccomend checking out her videos!

IAMDDB - I swear this woman is some kind of gay even if I don’t know what. She says everything she does is “for her ladies” Her music has been described as “Trap-Jazz” and her song “Shade” is a current favorite.

Janelle Monae - Bi/Pan concept album mastermind. Her music is very hard to describe, but maybe alt-pop heavily influenced by hiphop? Also she can rap! Just listen to “Django Jane.” She released an album this year titled “Dirty Computer” and a gay accompanying short film of the same name.

Kehlani - Queer contemporary r&b/neo soul artist. Listen to “Honey.” She also did an amazing song with Hayley Kiyoko, as well as some very gay lyrics on other peoples tracks. Her verses in “Playinwitme”, “Body Count” and “Icy GRL” are some examples.

Kelela - Queer Ethiopian-American Alternative r&b/Electronic musician. She’s very inspiring, has a lot of interesting takes on the music industry, and makes awesome music.

Kodie Shane - One of my all time favorite artists, Kodie Shane is like a queer hiphop goddess delivering more and more gay energy upon us every year since she started. Listen to everything she’s ever made. Start with “Sing to her”, it’s her latest single.

Syd/The Internet - Syd is a lesbian r&b artist who also fronts the r&b group The Internet. She regularly uses feminine language in her songs and her mvs are the greatest things ever. Also, look at that cute lil smile!

Tiara Thomas - Tiara is a pop/hiphop/r&b artist. She’ll never label her sexuality because she doesn’t want it to become bigger than her music. Some gay songs are “Retro 1’s” and “I’m still at the bar.”

Tiffany Gouche - Lesbian r&b/soul singer. Her EP “Pillowtalk” is good as hell and she recently released three new singles “Queen Tings”, “Dive” and “Down.”