Freedom.
Every culture,
Every generation,
Every person has searched for it.
At this time in our human history.
I feel like there is a longing.
To find a deeper level of freedom and authenticity.
Whether it's search for freedom from oppression.
Freedom from fear.
Freedom from addiction.
Freedom from the stories we've inherited.
Freedom from shame.
Or expectation.
We all long for freedom.
To love,
To speak,
To be who we truly are.
But nobody can define freedom for you.
So as we reflect today,
I want to reflect on.
Freedom.
Of body,
Freedom.
Of mind.
And freedom.
Of spirit.
Where does your body feel constricted?
Where does it feel expansive?
What beliefs of your mind keep you small?
And what ideas liberate you.
And when do I feel?
Most like myself.
When do I feel?
Connected to something larger.
So I invite you to get super comfy,
Wherever you are.
Whether sitting in a chair or lying down.
If you're able.
.
.
Place both feet on the ground.
I ask that you elongate your spine or sit upright so that you can breathe deeply and comfortably.
Begin to notice your breath.
The rise and fall of your chest and belly.
If you're comfortable.
Go ahead and close your eyes.
Or simply lower your gaze.
Remember,
There is nothing you need to do right now.
In this meditation.
But relax.
Breathe.
And allow.
Allow your breath to flow.
Allow your thoughts to just come and go.
And allow yourself.
To just be.
Here.
Now.
So let's take a deep breath in.
Filling your belly.
Filling your belly some more.
And release.
Let go of any lingering stress,
Worry or concern.
And again,
Deep inhale.
Fill your belly.
And exhale.
And let's deepen into our stillness.
With a simple three count breath.
Let's inhale through your nose for three.
1.
Hold for 3.
Too.
And exhale through your mouth.
4,
3,
Cheers.
What?
Inhale,
4,
3.
Hold for 3 seconds.
And exhale for three.
And once more,
Inhale for 3… Hold for 3.
And exhale for three.
.
.
Now just allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm.
Continuing with deep inhales.
And long,
Slow exhales.
And I want you to imagine.
What?
You find yourself sitting in a room with four tall walls.
You're not afraid.
Anxious or rushed.
You simply notice the walls around you.
The walls are so tall they're leading to a high ceiling.
Simply notice.
What color are your walls?
Are they plain or neat?
Somehow you know that these walls were built by you.
Now parts of the walls.
Were inherited.
So just continue to breathe.
And observe.
The First Wall.
To the right of you.
Slowly begins to open.
Departing from the ceiling,
It descends to the ground.
The wall doesn't explode or crumble loudly.
It just becomes transparent.
And slowly dissolves into the ground.
Inviting in a rush.
Clean,
Fresh air.
That first wall.
Represents the body.
Feel your breath becoming wider.
Notice where your body is.
Naturally wants to soften.
Imagine every inhale.
Creating a little more room.
Inside of you.
Room for breath.
Room for rest.
Room for healing.
A realm for joy.
Your body breathes.
You notice the body relaxes deeper.
With each breath.
It expands.
Notice how your body feels and allow it to expand as its wall has faded into the ground.
Then to your left.
The second wall opens.
Departing from the ceiling,
It descends to the ground.
Your mind widens.
Confusion.
And noise in your head.
Quiet.
Clarity comes in like the clear blue sky.
Imagine your thoughts like birds,
Some remain,
Some simply fly away.
But you don't chase them.
You don't trap.
You simply allow your mind to become a wide open sky.
Breathe in your mind.
At rest.
And soon.
The third wall opens.
Behind you.
Along with the ceiling.
As the wall and ceiling become transparent.
And fade into the ground softly.
Your spirit remembers.
Now notice.
Beneath every role you play.
Every responsibility you hold.
Every title.
There is something in you.
That has always been free.
Born free.
Eternally free.
Maybe you've forgotten.
Perhaps you've doubted it.
But it has never disappeared.
Just breathe in.
And feel the connection.
To your ever-expanding Spirit.
Your eternal soul.
Notice three walls have faded.
And all around you is open.
Clear blue sky,
Wide open land.
Horizons stretching in every direction.
There is possibility.
There is breath.
No destination.
There is freedom.
All things are possible in this vibrant space.
Continue to breathe.
Expanding your body.
Widening your mind.
Remembering the vastness of your spirit.
But you notice the fourth wall remains in front of you.
So you invite in each layer.
Body.
Mind.
Spirit.
Imagine life.
Beginning inside your heart.
Not blindly.
One.
Study.
As it expands,
It fills your chest.
Than the space around your body.
Then with your deepening awareness,
It expands into the open space around you.
This beautiful,
Vibrant light continues to expand out.
With each breath.
To dissolve that fourth wall.
Together.
We invite the intention.
And saying softly,
Letting our light continue to expand.
We say.
May all beings be blessed.
No dignity.
May all beings.
No dignity.
May all be well.
No dignity.
And breathe.
Allowing your light to expand.
May all beings know dignity.
Now may all beings know peace.
May all beings know peace.
May all beings know peace.
Free.
Allowing your light to further expand.
You May all beings know peace.
May all beings.
No freedom.
May all beings know freedom.
May all beings know freedom.
Breathe in freedom.
As your light expands.
The fourth wall.
Simply dissolves.
There are others.
Each expanding.
Each unique.
Each full of light.
Full of possibility.
Each.
Beautifully free.
When our bodies can breathe.
Our minds can imagine.
And our spirits.
And remember them.
We are.
We naturally become people who create more freedom.
Wherever we go.
So take another deep,
Full breath in with me.
And exhale.
Trusting and knowing that you can always return to this space of expansion.
Within.
I invite you to remember.
That as you grow your own sense of dignity.
As you grow your own sense of peace.
As you grow your own freedom of body,
Mind,
And spirit.
You allow others.
To do the same.
I invite you to notice the surface you're sitting on.
You may want to wiggle your fingers and toes.
Bring your awareness to the room.
Turn your head from side to side.
And when you are ready.
Open your eyes.
Thank you for joining me in this practice today.
It is always my honor and my privilege.
