In this brief guided meditation,
We will practice observing thoughts like clouds drifting across the sky,
Fostering calmness and clarity by simply letting them pass.
Start by choosing a place where you can sit comfortably and place your hands in your lap and your feet flat on the ground.
I invite you to gently close down your eyes or soften the gaze.
Now bring the awareness to the body.
Allow any tightness in your shoulders to soften and release all tension in your jaw.
Let your arms and legs completely relax.
Feel your spine lengthening as you settle into stillness.
Bring your attention to the breath and just notice the natural rise and fall of your chest and belly as you inhale and exhale.
Just follow the natural rhythm of your breathing without trying to change it and let each breath anchor you in the present moment.
Thoughts might have already popped into your mind,
Which is completely normal,
So when they do,
Imagine them as clouds drifting across a clear sky.
Notice each thought without judging or engaging with it.
Simply observe its form,
Then watch it move on.
You might find yourself following a thought.
It could be something about worrying or you might be planning for something or even daydreaming.
When this happens,
Just gently acknowledge it and guide your attention back to the breath.
Each time you do this,
Bring your attention back to the breath.
You learn and further strengthen your ability to stay in the present moment.
For the next minute or two,
Continue observing any thoughts that might arise.
Let them come and go and watch them float away,
Leaving the sky of your mind clear and open.
So I will stay quiet now for a few moments and I will bring you back shortly.
Bring your awareness back to the body.
Notice the contact points between the body and the surface beneath you.
Feel the weight of your feet resting on the ground and your hands in your lap.
Bigger your fingers and toes and take some deeper breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
One more breath in together through the nose and out through the mouth.
When you are ready,
Slowly open your eyes and notice how your mind and body feel after this short practice.
Thank you for joining us.
