Credited to Patricia Collard.
Find a comfortable position to practice today.
This could be lying down or sitting up.
Once you've settled into your spot,
Acknowledge the time you've committed to yourself and others through this practice today.
Now,
Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale out through the mouth.
Continuing like this two more times.
Taking the biggest inhalations and exhalations you've taken all day.
Let everything go and return to your natural rhythm of the breath.
Gently bring to mind a scenario that has been running through your mind,
Keeping your attention captive,
Or simply something that has affected you today.
This could be an experience with a strong emotion attached or it could be a thought that just won't go away.
Whatever it may be,
Allow it some space in your mind.
Recognize that this thought is no longer serving you.
It is not welcome either.
Take this thought and symbolize it in a smooth pebble that you've picked up by the river bend.
Infuse this thought into the pebble,
Feeling its surfaces and grooves.
Imagine yourself next to the river,
Bending down and winding your arm and wrist,
Getting ready.
Building up your desire to be free of this thought or emotion.
Finally,
Letting go with confidence.
Watching the rock slip from your hands and fly across the river.
And with it,
Your attention and attachment slips away too.
You watch as it skips across the water,
Bouncing off the surface.
Slowly but surely,
This emotion or thought too makes its way further and further from you.
Until finally it slips underneath the surface,
Settling down at the bottom of the river.
Nowhere to be found.
You are free.
Notice the lightness.
The freedom.
Once again,
Return to the breath.
Noticing your inhale and exhale.
Return slowly to your surroundings.
Notice the sounds and sensations around you.
Thank you for practicing with me today.
I hope your prana,
Your energy,
Is lighter and more carefree.
A reminder here to live like a force of nature.
