Welcome to Be With Melinda.
Take a moment to settle into a position that feels supported.
You may close your eyes or let your gaze rest softly.
Allow your breath to move at its own pace.
Feel the places where your body meets the surface beneath you.
Let yourself arrive here.
With nothing you need to solve in this moment.
Imagine an evening sky as daylight slowly fades.
The air is cool.
Branches rustle gently.
And the earth carries the quiet scent of leaves.
High in a tree,
Two owls rest beside one another.
Their feathers settle around them.
Their eyes are clear and watchful.
Each rests on the same strong branch.
With room to turn.
To breathe.
And to listen.
Imagine,
If you wish,
Becoming one of these owls.
Feel the branch beneath your feet.
Your body finds its balance.
Soft feathers shelter you from the evening air.
There is somewhere to rest your weight.
Listen to the world around you.
A leaf,
Stirring.
A distant call.
The space between sounds.
Allow sounds in your actual surroundings to become part of this listening too.
You can hear what is near.
And let what is distant remain distant.
Your attention can soften without disappearing.
As night gathers,
You cannot see the whole forest.
Yet you can feel the branch beneath you.
Sense the air around you.
And notice the movement of your own breathing.
Perhaps this is enough for now.
Bring to mind something in your life that feels uncertain.
Choose something you can hold gently today.
You may also let the forest itself be your only focus.
Notice what happens when you allow the uncertainty to be here.
Without immediately searching for an answer.
Can you give yourself a little time?
Let the question rest among the branches.
Beside you,
The owl remains quietly present.
There is space between you.
And there is companionship.
Imagine sharing a moment in which nothing needs explaining.
Each of you belongs to yourself.
And both of you belong to this living landscape.
Receive whatever feels comforting in this quiet company.
Then bring your attention inward.
What are you noticing beneath the surface of your day?
Perhaps a feeling.
A need.
Along game.
Or a simple wish for rest.
Let it be heard.
Wisdom may arrive as a small recognition.
I am tired.
I need more time.
This matters to me.
I am ready for one small step.
And if nothing comes,
You can continue resting.
Feel your wings folded at your sides.
There is strength here.
Available when you need it.
For this moment,
You can remain on the branch.
Let these words settle gently within you.
I give myself time to listen.
I can welcome connection and remain close to myself.
I can take one step while the path is still unfolding.
Rest here for a few breaths in the quiet of the tree.
When you are ready,
Let the forest image soften.
Feel the support beneath your human body.
Notice the room around you.
And the gentle movement of your breath.
Move your fingers and toes.
Let your eyes open or lift your gaze.
May you carry the owl's quiet attentiveness into your day.
May you listen with patience.
Meet yourself with honesty.
And recognize the next step.
When it becomes clear.
Thank you for meditating with me today.
