Welcome to the release the tension meditation.
My name is Maria Newman,
And I appreciate you choosing to listen to this meditation.
This meditation is designed to help you release the tensions that you hold on to in your body,
So that you can have a peaceful night's sleep.
I will take you on a guided journey to letting go of what is currently making you feel weighed down.
Before we begin,
I would like you to ensure that you are in a comfortable position.
You can sit or lie down,
Whichever feels best for you.
Just take a moment to get comfortable so that your full attention is in the moment.
Also,
Make sure you are in a quiet space where you won't be disturbed during this meditation.
During a meditation,
It's normal for your mind to wander.
If you notice this happening,
Gently bring your focus back to my voice and your breath.
There's no right or wrong way to meditate.
Just be present and open to the experience.
I would like you now to close your eyes,
If you feel comfortable doing so,
And take a big deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Again,
Inhale and exhale.
And one last time,
Inhale and exhale.
Bring your awareness to your body.
Starting from the top of your head,
Gently relax your scalp,
Your forehead,
Your eyes.
Move slowly down,
Releasing tension in your cheeks,
Jaw,
Neck,
Shoulders.
Let the relaxation flow to your arms and your chest,
Your abdomen,
Hips,
Legs,
And finally your feet.
Feel the calm spread throughout.
Feel the surface beneath you supporting your body.
Allow yourself to sink into the support,
Feeling safe and held.
Now bring your attention back to your breath as you gently breathe in and breathe out.
Take a moment now to set your intention for this meditation.
Consider what you hope to gain from this time of stillness and reflection.
Allowing this intention to guide your practice.
Now allow yourself to fully arrive into this moment.
Embrace open awareness,
Noticing any thoughts or sensations without judgment.
If your mind starts to wander,
Gently guide your focus back to your breath.
Simply be present and let the moment unfold naturally.
Now I want you to picture yourself at the top of a staircase with 10 steps,
Bathed in a soft,
Warm light.
As you descend each step,
Feel yourself becoming more and more relaxed,
Staying aware of your surroundings.
With each step,
Let a wave of calmness flow through you,
Bringing you deeper into relaxation.
On the first step,
Your muscles start to release tension.
That's right.
The second step brings a peaceful tranquility,
Melting away the day's worries.
Take the third step and feel a gentle breeze of relaxation surround you.
On the fourth step,
The soothing warmth begins to dissolve your stress.
The fifth step allows you to release all remaining tension in your body.
With each step,
Your mind opens to new possibilities.
The sixth step brings a deeper relaxation than you've ever felt.
On the seventh step,
Feel peace and calm as you let go of the tension.
The eighth step license your muscles washing them in relaxation.
On the ninth step,
You're deeply peaceful and calm.
And finally,
As you step onto the 10th step,
Immerse yourself in the profound tranquility.
Standing there at the bottom,
Let this deep relaxation fill you completely,
Embracing a state of acceptance and serenity.
Now feel the calmness washing over you soothing every part of your body.
Notice how your muscles are loose and relaxed as if a gentle wave has washed away all tension.
Your breathing is slow and steady as you allow yourself to simply let go.
Picture yourself lying on a soft,
Grassy meadow.
The grass is cool and gently beneath you.
Above the sky is a deep,
Serene blue with soft,
Fluffy clouds slowly drifting by.
Feel the gentle breeze on your skin carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth.
It is peaceful here,
A place where you can let go of all your worries and simply be.
I want you now to imagine you have a warm,
Soft blanket over you,
Wrapping you in comfort and safety.
This blanket is made of pure light and as it covers you,
It fills you with a sense of peace and well-being.
Let this light seep into every cell of your body,
Filling you with warmth and calmness.
Now focus on the sounds around you.
Hear the gentle rustling of leaves in the trees,
The distant song of a bird,
The soft murmur of a stream nearby.
Each sound is like a lullaby,
Soothing and comforting,
Guiding you deeper into the state of relaxation.
Feel the earth beneath you,
Solid and supportive.
It holds you up,
Grounding you,
Making you feel safe and secure.
Know that you are connected to this earth.
Part of it is timeless in rhythm.
Let this connection fill you with a deep sense of belonging and peace.
As you lay here,
Let go of any remaining thoughts or worries.
Let them drift away like leaves on the reeds,
Leaving your mind clear and calm.
You are at peace,
Completely relaxed,
Ready to drift into a deep,
Restful sleep.
Now bring your attention slowly back to your breathing.
Feel each breath as you breathe in and breathe out.
In and out.
Tune into the rhythm of your breathing.
That's right.
Gently bring your awareness back to the room.
Become aware of your body.
And when you are ready,
Start by wiggling your fingers and then your toes.
Become aware of your head,
Your neck,
Your shoulders,
Your chest,
Your torso,
Your legs.
When you are ready,
Softly open your eyes and take a moment to acknowledge the peace within you.
Take a moment to reflect on how you feel now.
Notice any shifts in your mind and your body.
Acknowledge the learnings and insights that you've gained from this meditation.
And set a clear intention to carry this sense of peace and mindfulness with you.
Let this calmness guide your actions and your interactions,
Fostering harmony and belief.
Thank you for listening to release the tension.