Returning To Practice After Falling Off

A compassionate meditation for anyone coming back to meditation, prayer or reflection after time away, without the guilt that often comes with a gap. This practice reframes interruption as simply part of a practice's shape, not proof it has failed. Good for anyone who has stopped and started their practice more times than they'd like to admit.

Transcript

Welcome to this practice for returning to practice after falling off or out of your habit. So settle into your body. Welcome yourself back here. And let your eyes close. Take a slow breath in. And out. If it's been a while since you last sat down to practice. Whether that's meditation, Reflection or simply quiet time with yourself. This meditation is for right now. Not for the gap that came before. So sit with yourself. And notice any guilt or self-criticism that might be present about the time away. And just let it sit there. Without needing to argue with it. Or inhabit it, Or embody it. The practice isn't broken by a gap. It's only interrupted. And interruption and failure are not the same thing. Even though they can feel similar in the moment. Just breathe steadily and gently. And be here in your body. You're not starting from nothing. You're returning with wisdom. With what have you learned in the time away. Including whatever it was that made it hard to show up for the practice you wanted. Ask yourself. What would make this practice easier to return to? Again and again. Without so much pressure attached. And let the answer be whatever it is. Let it be practical if it wants to be. Shorter sessions. Or a quieter expectation. Or more forgiveness for the next gap whenever it comes. You're here now. You chose to be here. And that's the whole practice today. So thank yourself. For making time for yourself and your practice today. And take a breath. And when you're ready. Bring your awareness back to the room. And open your eyes. Thank you so much for sharing your space with me today. Have a wonderful day.