Hello,
This is Siobhan from the Mindfulness Uplift and this is your guided meditation Release Stress and Tension.
Begin by finding a comfortable position.
You can sit upright with your feet on the floor or lie down if that feels better.
Allow your hands to rest gently and if it feels comfortable close your eyes or lower your gaze.
Take a slow deep breath in through your nose and gently sigh it out through your mouth.
And again,
Breathing in slowly and out letting the body soften.
One more time,
Breathing in and breathing out.
Now allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm.
No need to control it,
Just notice it.
Bring your attention to the cessation of breathing,
The air moving in and the air moving out.
You might notice the rise of your chest or the gentle movement of your belly.
If your mind begins to wander,
And it will,
That's completely natural.
Simply notice where it's gone and gently guide it back to the breath.
No judgement,
Just returning.
Now begin to scan your body for any areas of tension.
Start at the top of your head,
Softening the forehead,
Relaxing the space between your eyebrows.
Let your jaw unclench.
And your shoulders drop away from your ears.
Notice your arms,
Your hands,
Allowing them to feel heavy and relaxed.
Bring awareness to your chest,
Your stomach and your lower back.
If you notice any tightness or discomfort,
Imagine breathing into that space.
And as you breathe out,
Releasing the tension.
Let it go,
Just a little more with each breath.
Now bring to mind anything that may be causing you stress right now.
There's no need to push it away,
Just acknowledge it,
Gently.
Notice how it feels in your body.
Where do you feel it most?
Instead of resisting it,
See if you can allow it to be there just for this moment.
And now imagine placing the stress on a leaf,
Floating on a slow-moving stream.
Watch as it gently drifts away,
Carried by the water.
If it returns,
That's okay.
Place it on another leaf and let it float away again.
No force,
No struggle,
Just allowing.
Now return your attention to your breath.
Breathing in calm and breathing out tension.
With each inhale,
Imagine drawing in a sense of ease.
And with each exhale,
Releasing stress.
Let your body sink a little deeper into relaxation.
Take a moment to notice how you feel.
Perhaps a little calmer,
A little lighter,
Or maybe just a little more relaxed.
Just more aware.
Whatever is here is okay.
Begin to deepen your breath slightly.
And as we come to the end of this meditation,
Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Bringing gentle movement back into the body.
And when you feel ready,
Gently open your eyes and take the sense of calm with you into the rest of your day.