Take a moment,
Wherever you are,
Sitting in your car,
Standing in the kitchen,
Walking outside,
Just pause.
Close your eyes if it's safe to do so,
Or simply soften your gaze.
Take a slow,
Deep breath in through your nose,
Hold it gently at the top,
And exhale through your mouth,
Let your shoulders drop,
Again,
Breathe in slowly,
Feel your lungs expand,
Exhale gently,
And feel your body soften,
Bring your awareness to your feet,
Feel the ground holding you,
Whether it's solid earth or smooth tile,
Trust it's enough to carry you,
With your next breath,
Imagine gathering all your energy,
Any scattered pieces of you,
And gently drawing them back into your body,
Back into your heart,
Back into your center.
Let this breath be an invitation to return to land,
To remember you're safe here in this moment.
Inhale,
I am grounded.
Exhale,
I am present.
Inhale,
I come home to myself.
Exhale,
I release what I can't control.
One more deep breath in,
And out.
Let your awareness gently expand to the world around you again,
Carrying this calm with you.
You've returned,
You're centered,
And you can continue from here.