This is a 10 minute pocket of peace where we practice being ape.
Knowing the concept of ape is not a prerequisite but you can learn about it at happyape.
Dk Please start by finding a posture that is stable and comfortable then gently close your eyes and connect with your body.
And for a moment just allow yourself to rest in the awareness of your body.
Start by gently scanning the body and if you feel any obvious areas of tension you can soften them.
Let the eyes and face be soft.
Relax your jaw.
Let your shoulders drop and let your hands rest easily.
You may also allow yourself to feel a slight smile around the eyes and around the lips.
Now notice how you breathe.
Where is the breath most apparent to you?
Sit around the nose where the air comes in and out or in the chest or the abdomen which expands and contracts.
Observe whatever you can of the breath and then rest your attention where the breath is most apparent to you.
Notice that there is no need for you to control your breath.
You can just observe the natural rhythm of the breath.
Now really notice your breath as if for the first time.
How does it feel right now?
Let your attention rest on the sensation of the breath.
After some time you may notice that your mind has wandered.
When you notice,
Accept reality as it is and then softly bring your attention back to the breath.
As you feel each breath,
Let there be a sense of relaxation.
Be present and alert and at the same time feel an ease as you rest in the sensation of the breath.
Now notice how your breath is more apparent to you.
When the mind wanders,
Do not feel defeated.
Instead celebrate that moment when you realize your mind has wandered and you direct your attention back to the breath.
That is when you are awakening,
Your awareness expands and intensifies.
As you go about your day,
Experience life fully just by being present and aware.
Celebrate life by noticing it.
You think this is just another day?
This is the one day that is given to you today.
It's given to you.
It's a gift.
And the only appropriate response is gratitude.
If you do nothing else than cultivate gratitude for the gift of today.
If you learn to respond as if it was the first day in your life and the very last day,
Then you will have spent this day very well.
Now take a moment to consider what can you be thankful for in your life?
Don't be picky.
Appreciate anything.
Nothing is too small,
Too big.
Take this moment to remind yourself of all the things you are grateful for.
And say it out loud if you can.
I am grateful for this.
I am grateful for that.
Thank you.
Thank you for meditating with me.
