Prepare yourself for a journey to inner peace and empowerment.
Find a cozy spot where you can fully relax.
And don't hesitate to make it even more comfortable by grabbing a soft blanket and a plush pillow.
These comforting companions will enhance your experience.
Now,
When you have nestled in completely,
Let's take a few deep breaths together to settle in to the present moment.
Wherever you are,
Exhale completely and inhale for four.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Letting go.
One last inhale together.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four.
Letting go.
Feel the weight of your body sinking into the earth.
Fully supported and at ease.
As we embark on this journey of self-awareness and inner peace,
Let us remember the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius,
The Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher.
His words guide us towards a tranquil mind and a resilient spirit.
I want you to imagine a warm,
Calming light spreading throughout your body,
Starting from your toes,
Moving up to your legs and illuminating every cell in its path.
It's a warm,
Bright light.
You can vividly feel it as it's purifying your mind and spirit from negativity.
As Marcus Aurelius once said,
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius highlights the power of our thoughts in shaping our character and the way we experience life.
Now,
Bring your awareness to your breath.
Follow your chest as it gently rises and falls.
With each inhale,
Imagine you are inhaling courage and strength.
And with each exhale,
Release any doubts or worries.
And remember,
You have power over your mind,
Not outside events.
Realize this and you will find strength.
As we shift our focus to different parts of our bodies,
Remember that the happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
Visualize this quality spreading through your body with each gentle breath.
Start by feeling the sensation in your right hand.
Put all of your awareness into your right hand.
Allow the sensation in your right hand to grow and expand.
And when you can vividly feel the sensations in your right hand,
Shift over to the left hand.
Feel a warm tingling sensation in your left hand.
Put all your focus on the warm sensations in your left hand.
And now,
Allow that same warm tingling sensation to grow and spread throughout your whole body.
With each breath you take.
If your mind wanders,
Gently bring your attention back to the breath.
How does it feel to be here now?
Take a moment here to reflect on your deepest desires and intentions.
What is it you wish to cultivate in your life?
As you set your intention,
Recall the best way to avenge yourself is to not be like the wrongdoer.
Now,
Imagine a serene garden.
You're walking among lush greenery,
Feeling a deep sense of tranquility.
Listen to the birds whistle and call as they welcome in the new day.
There are gardens of flowers,
Roses,
Yellow,
Pink,
Red,
Purple.
Smell their fragrance and see the early morning dew drops on their petals.
Nearby the rose garden is a fish pond.
Goldfish swim in and out amongst the water lilies.
See their graceful movements.
On your right side there is a clearing between the trees.
In the clearing is a small temple with an aura of light around it.
Go to the door.
It is cool and dim inside.
On the walls there are pictures of great saints.
You sit down on the floor.
Close your eyes.
A sense of deep peace and harmony envelops you as the sounds outside fade into the distance.
Continue your awareness of meditation.
Allow the wisdom and the resilience of great philosophers to resonate with your entire being.
When you arise in the morning,
Think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive.
To breathe,
To think,
To enjoy,
To love.
Now become aware of your breathing.
Become aware of your natural breathing.
Awareness of breathing and awareness of relaxation.
Develop awareness of your physical existence.
Become aware of your arms,
Your legs and your whole body lying stretched out on the floor.
Develop awareness of the room,
The walls,
Ceiling,
Noises in the room and noises outside.
Lie quietly here for a few moments and keep your eyes closed.
Gently start waking up your body.
Take it slowly.
Do not hurry.
When you are sure that you are wide awake,
Sit up slowly and open your eyes.
The practice is now concluded.
