Hi,
My name is Brian Gower and welcome to this guided meditation for burnout.
If you like,
You can close your eyes.
Or you can just simply look slightly down over your nose,
Perhaps fixing your gaze softly on a single point in front of you.
And just taking a few deep breaths to help you settle in.
If you've spent your day holding everything together,
Managing the schedules of others.
Are pushing through a never-ending list of demands.
Let this be the one moment.
Where nothing is required of you.
As you take a deep breath in.
Feel the air expand into your chest.
And as you exhale.
Imagine you are setting down a heavy backpack you've been carrying for a long time.
The fatigue you feel is not a sign of weakness.
It's a sign that you've been strong for so long.
Notice where that exhaustion lives in your body now.
Maybe it's a tightness in your jaw.
A weight on your shoulders.
Or a fluttering rhythm in your heart.
Instead of trying to fix it or push it away.
Simply acknowledge it.
I invite you to silently say to yourself,
I see how tired I am.
And it's okay to rest.
And if you're comfortable doing so.
I invite you to place a hand over your heart.
Feeling the warmth of your palm against your skin or your clothes.
This is the physical anchor of self-compassion.
In the world of doing.
We often forget the importance of being.
You are more than your productivity.
You are more than the roles you play for other people.
Breathe into that space under your hand.
And with every outward breath,
Let go of any guilt.
Shame,
Disappointment.
Or any other emotions that imply or suggest that.
That resting is not okay,
Unacceptable,
Or a waste of time.
Imagine a soft,
Golden light beginning to glow at your center.
With every inhale.
This light expands.
Washing over your tired mind.
And soothing your nervous system.
It is not a light that asks to shine brighter for others.
It's a light that nourishes you from the inside out.
Let it soften the edges of your thoughts.
If your mind wanders to your to-do list.
Can gently usher it back with the kindness you would show a dear friend.
Now repeating these words silently.
I give myself permission to let go.
I am worthy of peace.
Make me I feel at ease.
Now,
If you like,
You can go ahead and rest your hands and your arms.
Just feeling the support of the chair or the floor beneath you.
You don't have to hold yourself up right now.
The Earth is doing that for you.
Just staying here in this stillness.
For a few more breaths.
Soaking in this present moment experience.
When you're ready.
You can gently wiggle your fingers or toes.
Carrying this sense of softness.
Unshakable compassion.
Back into your day.
Knowing that there's no need to rush.
You are exactly where you need to be.
Take care,
Have a great rest of your day.