Welcome,
My name is Zeal Okwujere.
It is my pleasure to host this guided meditation on gratitude.
Before we begin,
Let's take a moment to reflect on what gratitude really is.
Gratitude is more than just saying thank you.
It is a way of seeing a quiet shift in perception that allows us to recognize the goodness already present in every moment.
It is a recognition of the relentless generosities of spirit in our lives.
It is a practice of the heart,
Being appreciative even in the midst of challenge.
Gratitude has the power to inspire others to help and open the door to even more blessings.
When we cultivate gratitude,
We open ourselves to joy,
To healing,
To connection.
Gratitude allows us to see the beauty,
Blessings,
And grace around us.
So,
As you enter this meditation,
Know that you are not forcing anything,
You are simply opening to what already is available within you and around you.
Now,
Let's begin by getting comfortable.
Find a space where you can sit or lie down peacefully.
You may choose to sit upright,
Or you may lie on your back,
Face up,
With your body open and supported.
Whatever position you choose,
Let it feel natural and comfortable for your body.
If you are seated,
Rest your hands on your lap or on your knees,
And if it feels comfortable,
Allow the palms of your hands to face upward,
Welcoming in peace and light.
Now,
Take a deep breath in,
And let it go.
Again,
Inhale fully,
And exhale slowly.
Allow your body to begin to soften.
Let the breath be gentle and natural.
Feel the support beneath you.
Notice the weight of your body being held.
Let your shoulders drop,
Softening your jaw.
Let your hands rest openly,
Perhaps palms facing up.
With each breath,
Allow yourself to be more present in this moment.
Now,
Bring your attention to your heart space,
The center of love,
The center of compassion and gratitude.
Begin to bring to mind something or someone you are thankful for.
It could be something simple,
Like the warmth of the sunlight,
The presence of a friend,
Or the breath that sustains you.
Let this feeling of gratitude gently rise.
Allow it to expand in your chest,
Like a soft glowing light.
And as you sit with this feeling,
Gently repeat to yourself,
Thank you.
With each breath,
Thank you.
Let this simple phrase echo gently through your being.
Let it soften your heart.
Let it open you.
Now,
We will chant a divine melody known as Hu,
H-U,
Pronounced like H-U-E.
Hu is an ancient name for the divine.
It is a vibration of divine love.
It is a love song to God.
This mantra uplifts the heart.
It quiets the mind and deepens your connection to spirit.
Now,
It's not about how it sounds,
It's really about how it feels.
To demonstrate how to chant the Hu mantra,
Simply take a deep breath,
And on exhale,
You chant Hu.
You inhale again and chant Hu.
Chant gently,
Softly,
From the heart.
Now,
In the background,
You will be hearing a group Hu chant.
You can chant along,
Out loud,
Or you can simply listen and receive inwardly.
We are going to be chanting for about five minutes,
And then allow the chant to fade into silence.
Let the sound be an offering of gratitude.
Let it carry your thankfulness into silence.
Let it wash over your heart like a healing balm.
Now,
Let's begin.
Now,
Simply rest in this stillness.
Breathe gently.
Let your mind settle.
Feel the spaciousness in your heart.
The lightness of your breath.
The warmth of gratitude flowing through you.
There is nothing you need to do.
Just be here,
Open and present.
When you hear this soft bell,
It is time for us to end this silence and begin to come back to our body.
Now,
Begin to gently return to your body.
Move your fingers and toes around.
Feel the space around you.
Notice the sounds,
The sensations,
The breath moving through you.
And as you come back,
Carry this feeling of gratitude with you.
Let it guide your words,
Your choices,
Your way of being.
You may now offer yourself a quiet blessing.
May I walk in gratitude.
May I see the beauty in every moment.
May I live from the heart.
Now,
When you're ready,
Please go ahead and open your eyes.
Thank you for joining this peaceful space of gratitude.
May love be with you always.
