Just out of college.
I taught high school in an urban setting.
I spent most of my youth in rural settings.
And was very soothed by the language and sounds of nature.
I discovered my students had not.
Had nature experiences.
So I collaborated with several teachers to take a group of 20 students to a multi-day a night nature trip to study environmental science and write.
We took a bus trip up and the students were loud,
Laughing,
Listening to music the whole ride up.
And I just watched out my window.
As we became immersed in the green and tall tree canopies.
The sun dancing through the leaves.
As the concrete harshness of the city.
Began to fade.
Into the background.
I was reminded.
Of the places that allow me to breathe deeper.
Like a fish out of water,
I had been gasping for oxygen in the city.
When we arrived.
We were on a mountain path.
And the students filed out of the bus.
My students had never been completely surrounded by nature.
Soon their chatter began to die down.
And I watched them begin to look around.
Nudge each other.
So I'm standing a bit uneasy.
Others looking around wide-eyed.
Even my toughest use glancing at me in a bit of panic.
The wind.
Picked up in the trees.
Finally,
A young man said,
Ms.
J.
What's that sound?
We about to be rushed or something.
It took me a moment to understand.
What sound he make?
You mean the rustling in the trees?
Is shrugged.
Something coming for it.
His face serious,
His stance tight.
Oh,
No.
No,
That's the wind.
You're safe.
I got you.
His shoulders soften a little.
Everyone come here.
Be still and quiet for a moment.
The sounds and sights will be different here.
Birds chirping,
Wind rustling through the forest.
It's the sounds.
The music of nature.
The sounds of the city usually drown out these sounds.
Up and drown out the sound of your own mind.
So while you're here,
Invite you to listen.
Listen to the nature sounds.
And listen to yourself.
My students felt like fishes out of water outside the city.
Their bodies on full alert.
In today's meditation.
I invite you to quiet your mind and listen.
We're all in transition.
And experiencing something new.
So just like when you're on a journey of growth or recovery.
Often our first instinct is fear.
As we walk new journeys.
We must lean forward.
And honesty.
Open-mindedness.
And willingness.
Today,
We'll explore what new sights and sounds.
Are emerging.
Or you.
As you continue on this journey.
Of recovery.
As the concrete harshness of our past actions and behaviors.
Begins to fade into the distance.
What?
New lens.
Are rustling through the trees.
Simply listen.
And let your higher power or higher self be your guide.
Let's begin with the body,
The eyes,
And the breath.
I invite you to get super comfy.
Wherever you are.
Sit upright.
So you can breathe deeply and comfortably.
Remember.
That's your only task.
During meditation.
Is to simply relax.
Breathe.
And of love.
Allow your thoughts to come and go.
Allow your body.
To sink into deep relaxation.
Allow any images or sounds that arise.
To flow in and out of your mind.
Next,
Let's relax our eyes.
If you're comfortable.
Go ahead and close your eyes.
Or lower your gain.
And now for the breath.
We'll do a three count breath.
Inhaling through the nose for three,
Holding for three,
And exhaling through your mouth for three.
But before we begin,
Let's take a big cleansing breath in together.
Inhale deep.
Fill your belly.
And yeah.
Releasing all tension,
Stress,
Or concern.
Now let's begin our counted breath.
Let each exhale.
Drop you deeper into your place of stillness.
And relaxation.
Let's inhale,
Four,
Three.
Two,
One.
Hold for three.
1,
And exhale,
4,
3.
Two.
One.
Inhale,
4,
3.
Hold for three.
And exhale,
4,
3,
2.
And once more,
Inhale.
Home.
And exhale.
Allow yourself to just breathe naturally.
Keep your focus on your breath.
The rise and fall of your chest and belly.
Allow your imagination.
To take you to a place real or imagined.
In which you feel safe.
A beautiful thing.
That brings you joy.
And pee.
It can be indoors or outdoors.
But allow your special place.
To take shape.
Around these.
As you reflect on your journey.
In recovery.
I want you to notice any new thoughts.
Feelings or experiences you have had on your journey to recovery thus far.
No need to solve for anything.
Just allow.
Whatever arises.
Notice it.
And let it flow in and out like the wind.
Clearing out any debris.
And bringing in sweetness.
And focus on your breath.
I embrace the sweet newness of life.
I embrace the sweet newness of life.
I embrace the sweet newness of life.
Repeat those words to yourself.
I will watch the time,
So relax.
Focus on your breath and the words.
Go with the flow of the wind and embrace.
The sweet newness of life.
I embrace the sweet newness of life.
And breathe.
If you find your mind wanders,
That's okay.
Just breathe.
And return your attention.
To the world.
I embrace the sweet newness of life.
And breathe.
Notice and trust whatever arises.
Just breathe.
I embrace the sweet newness of life.
And breathe.
I'm just going to go ahead and say it.
Our journeys.
Air that can flow with sweetness.
And bitterness.
No matter where you are.
On your journey.
The wind will come.
Allow yourself the space to simply listen.
And capture.
The sweetness of each moment.
There is healing.
And magic.
Waiting for you.
In the stillness.
Knowing you can always return to this place of stillness.
Let's take a final deep breath in together.
Inhale … Deep breath.
And action.
And once more.
Inhale … I'm back.
And as you return,
To your present surroundings.
Feel the surface beneath you.
You may want to wiggle your fingers and toes.
Turn your head side to side.
And when you are ready.
Open your eyes.
Thank you for joining me on this journey today.
It is always my honor and my privilege.
