Welcome.
Chapter 3 of the Tao Te Ching,
Often called Giving the People Rest,
Teaches that when we calm our desires,
The heart settles into peace.
When we stop chasing status or placing others above ourselves,
Life becomes simple again.
The sage empties his heart of restless wanting,
Strengthens the body with simple nourishment,
And leads by doing less so everything finds its own order.
In this meditation,
We'll walk a golden path to a quiet tree,
Lay our extra wants on a stone,
And invite simplicity to fill us with grounded ease.
So,
Let's begin.
And get completely comfortable.
And settle into your space,
Whether it's sitting up or lying down.
And close your eyes.
And breathe in and out through your nose.
And find that rhythm that's just right for you.
And after each breathing cycle,
Slow your breath down each time.
Allow the edges of your eyes to soften.
And your jaw slightly open.
And drop your shoulders.
If your thoughts begin to wander,
Just acknowledge them.
And then return back to your breath.
And breathe in the word ease.
And then breathe out the word ground.
Breathing in ease.
Breathing out ground.
Now,
Move to your lower ribs.
And feel them flare out on your in-breath.
And contract in on your out-breath.
Stay with the sensation of your ribs for a couple more times.
Now,
Bring your attention to your heart.
And slowing the breath down.
Notice if you need to shift or move.
Getting more comfortable.
Softly focusing on the area of your heart.
Breath is slow and steady.
So now,
Imagine that the sun has just set.
And twilight is unfolding over a quiet meadow.
You see a golden path glowing ahead.
Winding gently through tall grass and toward a lone tree.
The sky swirls with warm golds and purples.
And you hear crickets softly chirp in the evening air.
And each foot sinks into the cool,
Soft earth.
As you walk and approach a tree,
You notice its sturdy trunk and welcoming branches.
And you notice at the base of the tree,
Lies a smooth black stone.
It's heavy,
Cool,
And grounding.
And waiting to receive whatever burdens you carry.
As you stand before the stone,
Notice one thing you're holding tightly.
It could be a worry,
Goal,
Or even a label.
And gently set that on the stone.
And ask,
What else am I carrying?
Whatever appears,
Just place each piece down one by one.
With each release,
Breathe.
Inhale,
Ease.
And exhale,
Ground.
When you're inhaling ease,
Feel the spaciousness,
Feel the chest.
And when you exhale ground,
Feel the roots spreading from your feet and into the earth.
Around you,
You feel a warm breeze,
Rustle the grass.
The tree sways,
Yet stands calm.
Go ahead and lean back against the tree.
And imagine a gentle amber light forming in your belly,
Like a sunset glow.
Helping you feel relaxed and centered.
Silently repeat,
Enough is here,
Enough is here.
Let those words settle.
And notice how the body loosens,
When nothing more is needed.
I'll let my voice fade,
And rest in this simple quiet.
And I'll return when it's time to come back.
So now,
Place one hand over your belly,
And the other over your heart.
And ask within,
What single area of my life could I simplify next?
What single area of my life could I simplify next?
Just listen,
No need to force answers.
Now,
Think the tree,
And the stone.
And begin to see the golden path,
Lighting your way back.
Begin to notice my voice.
And let each inhale wake you a bit more.
Begin to feel the room's air on your skin,
The weight of your body,
And the subtle sounds around you.
And let each inhale wake you a bit more.
Take three slower,
Longer,
Deeper breaths.
Holding the insight that matters most.
And shift your awareness to your feet.
Rotate your ankles.
And flex and point your feet.
And then,
Feel energy rise through your legs,
Chest,
And shoulders.
Traveling down your arms,
And opening and closing your hands.
Up to your jaw,
Slightly open,
And temples.
On your next exhalation,
Gently open your eyes,
Feeling clear and refreshed.
Take a moment to honor yourself,
For the space you've created tonight.
And celebrate what you've let go of,
Rather than what you've gained.
And as you take time for yourself,
Write down in a journal,
Or simply think about what you're more aware of.
And here's a micro practice you can try.
Whenever life feels crowded,
Inhale the word ease,
And exhale the word ground,
Three times.
And then choose the simplest next step.
Carry this quiet ease with you.
Each unhurried breath,
It's a gentle reminder that clearing space invites real change.
Let simplicity lead the way.
Breathe easy,
And I'll meet you in the next Dell-inspired meditation.
