Welcome and I'm really glad you're here.
This is a space to pause,
To breathe,
To come back to yourself,
To rest in something simple,
Steady and always with you.
Your breath.
Before we begin take a moment to get comfortable.
You might choose to sit,
Lie down or settle wherever you are.
And if it feels safe you're welcome to gently close your eyes or simply soften your gaze.
Whether you're leading others,
Showing up for your family or just moving through a full-feeling day,
This practice is here to meet you exactly where you are.
Let's begin together.
Allow your hands to rest,
Your shoulders to soften,
Your jaw to unclench.
Begin by simply noticing your body,
The weight it holds and the way it's held by whatever supports you,
The pull of gravity beneath you,
The points of contact where your body meets the ground,
The chair or the surface below.
Maybe there's warmth or coolness or just the quiet stillness of being here.
No need to change anything yet,
Just notice.
Now bring your awareness to your breath,
The rhythm that's already moving through you.
Let your attention gently follow the inhale and the exhale.
No need to deepen it,
No need to fix or control,
Just noticing this moment,
This breath.
And if your mind drifts,
Which it will,
Notice where it goes and gently bring it back,
Back to this inhale and this exhale.
Let it be enough.
Let it steady you.
Let it anchor you right here.
Begin to gently return your awareness to the space around you,
Feeling the support beneath you,
Wiggling your fingers or toes if that feels good.
And as you come back,
Carry this breath with you,
This quiet rhythm.
Let it move with you through the rest of your day.
Even in the middle of a busy or messy moment,
You can return here to the courage of stillness,
To the wisdom of your breath,
To yourself.
Thank you for practicing.
Take your time opening your eyes and we'll meet again whenever you're ready.
I'm Deb Carvell and this has been a courageous stillness.
