This meditation is designed to help LGBTQ plus folks connect to a deep well of strength,
Resilience,
And self-love.
This meditation is intended to be a gift for you because you deserve care.
And for anyone who is not sure if you're included in this community,
Maybe because you're questioning or for some other reason,
Please know that you belong and this meditation is for you.
Because this meditation is deeply relaxing,
Please do not listen while driving.
So to begin,
Find a position that's as comfortable as possible in this moment,
Whether sitting or lying down.
Allow yourself to settle and notice points of contact with the surface beneath you.
Notice how that surface is fully supporting you.
Notice the rise and fall of your breath,
Observing how it may begin to naturally deepen and slow as you continue to soften into the supportive surface beneath you.
And on your next breath,
I invite you to take in an even deeper breath,
Gathering up any tension and then releasing it on the exhale.
And then another deep breath in and another slow breath out.
On each exhale,
You're letting go.
Letting go of anything you don't need in this moment.
Knowing that right now,
Anything you want to plan or do or figure out will wait for you on the other side of this meditation.
And right now,
All there is to do is be here in this moment,
Riding the soothing waves of your breath in and out.
And as your awareness settles into this moment,
Imagine a gentle radiant light beginning to form in your heart space.
This light has qualities that feel deeply peaceful and comforting for you.
Notice how it seems to flow with its own graceful rhythm.
As this light grows stronger,
You might find yourself becoming more and more absorbed in its gentle movement.
Notice all of the soothing details about the light,
Its beautiful color,
The calming warmth bringing ease and comfort to anything it touches.
What else do you notice about this light that feels most nourishing to you today?
And as you take it all in,
You may notice how your awareness begins to shift,
Becoming softer around the edges while thoughts continue to drift by like clouds in a summer sky.
And as the light expands and flows,
You might notice how it naturally finds its way to any areas that may have been carrying tension or discomfort,
Giving those areas special attention as it flows around them like a soothing embrace.
Notice how even if one part of your mind may wander,
Another part of you can become more and more absorbed in this flowing,
Vibrant light,
Allowing yourself to sink even more deeply into this state of tranquility and ease.
Imagine this light is uniquely yours.
And also,
It's connected to so many others carrying their own inner lights through time and around the world.
Visualize yourself standing in a vast circle.
Around you are generations of LGBTQ plus people who have come before.
Those who danced at parties in friends' homes.
Who laughed and shared meals with chosen families.
Who took pride in choosing an outfit and knowing their own fierce beauty.
See their faces illuminated by their own inner light.
Each one burning with the same vibrant energy as yours.
You may notice that the inner rings of the circle are people who you feel the deepest bonds of kinship and shared experience with.
Maybe for you that's queer people who look like you.
Or maybe people who share your experience with gender.
Or you may find that what's most uplifting for you in this moment is the vastness of our community.
Each face coming from a different place,
A different time,
And all connected.
Take a moment to let your mind show you what is most healing,
Empowering,
And supportive for you today.
Notice the warmth in the faces around you.
Maybe noticing kind eyes,
Soft smiles,
All the faces lit up by the beautiful light within.
And notice the fierce loving protectiveness too.
What do you notice that allows you to feel most uplifted,
Embraced,
And held in community?
And now see how the circle expands to include those around you today,
In your community,
And across the world.
See how their lights shine different colors and intensities,
All part of the same constellation.
And as you stand in the midst of this beautiful interconnected circle of light,
Feel the strength of those around you.
The strength of those across generations and spanning into the future.
Marching and demonstrating,
Building support networks,
Opening homes to others in need.
All that we have built,
And all that we will build.
And also feel the power of those who have simply lived.
Who have always existed and who always will exist.
Hending gardens,
Making art,
Joking with friends,
Falling in love,
And finding joy in small moments of being truly themselves.
Held in this spacious,
Glowing embrace of a community so much bigger than you or me.
Notice that however your heart is feeling in this moment,
This circle has more than enough room to hold it all.
Notice how every part of your experience is welcomed and cherished in the expansive presence of our shared light.
Soon,
I'll pause for a few moments to allow you to soak up the healing,
Wisdom,
Energy,
And nurturing power of the community around you.
And you may simply relax and receive exactly what you need during these moments.
Maybe even visualizing a steadying hand on your shoulder,
Or a hug.
Or you could ask this circle for guidance,
Allowing an answer to come to you now or maybe later as you're going about your day or week.
Asking a question such as,
What do I need to understand about this situation or what response to this situation honors my needs and values?
Whether you got an answer already or will be receptive today and throughout the week listening when that answer arises.
Either one is perfect for today's meditation.
Now,
Imagine your inner light burning even brighter with all the collective power and love you have tapped into during this experience.
Let it fill you with the knowledge that you deserve care,
Protection,
And joy.
Your existence,
Your truth,
Your ability to love yourself and others.
These are powerful acts that add to our collective light.
Now,
See your light merging with all of the other lights illuminating the path forward.
Feel the truth that you are never alone.
You are part of this ongoing story.
Resilience.
And as you prepare to return to your day,
Know that this circle and this light remains inside you,
Always,
And you can tap into it anytime you need.
And so you can take a deep,
Refreshing breath in,
Feeling this connection in yourself as you begin to bring yourself back to the room around you.
Feeling your feet on the ground,
Noticing the light through your eyelids,
Sensing any sounds around you,
And hearing the sound of my voice.
And when you're ready,
Gently open your eyes,
Carrying this sense of connection and strength with you today.
