Awakening The transition from being asleep to being awake is one of life's little mysteries.
We emerge from the fertile darkness of night and dreams and are reborn to the light of day.
These first moments of consciousness are precious.
As we awaken,
We create ourselves and our relationship to the world anew.
Drifting gently awake,
Gradually emerging from the world of sleep and dreams,
Take your time to savor the moment.
When you first become aware that you are awake,
Do not move or open your eyes.
Simply welcome the first moments of consciousness.
Take a moment to allow any dreams to float into your awareness.
What images linger at the fringe between the worlds of night and day?
What moods or impressions remain from your night time journey?
Now notice the bodily experience of awakening to the day.
As consciousness returns from the vastness,
It gradually condenses back into your body.
You become aware of being in bed,
In this room,
In this particular place on planet earth.
You are alive.
You are breathing.
Gentle waves of breath awaken you to life,
Calling you into your body.
Sense your body weight resting easily,
The comfort of being secure in your nest.
Feel how your shape snuggles into the bed.
Enjoy the texture of the pillow and covers.
Any warmth or coolness on your skin.
Receive the pleasure of this simple,
Relaxed state.
When you are ready to,
Very slowly open your eyes to the light or darkness.
Cherish being awake to the light.
Luxuriate in this particular quality of light.
Welcome the light.
Turn your attention to the source of the light,
The sun rising in the east,
Illuminating our beautiful planet.
Take a few breaths in appreciation.
At some point,
The tone of awareness will change and become more action-oriented.
You'll have thoughts of the day to come,
Of a relationship that needs attention perhaps,
Or your schedule of tasks.
You'll notice your breath becoming more active as well.
At that point,
Find your way into a morning stretch and yawn.
Just as cats and dogs do when they awaken and before they get up.
Stretch your animal body.
Arch your back gently.
Extend your arms over your head.
Reach your legs out.
Breathe deeply and enjoy the sense of movement.
Now preparing to rise,
Imagine being in the world with the quality of awareness you desire today.
Be aware of everyone in your life,
All your loved ones,
Everything that is important to you today.
When you're ready,
Slowly curl up to a sitting position and place your feet on the ground.
Sense the support of the earth beneath you,
And flow up into a standing position.
With another conscious breath,
Take in the fullness of this moment of life,
Then move on into your day.
