Hello,
This is Ali Mortimer at Heal Yourself Happy and today I want to focus on slowing down in order to speed up.
This includes taking time to connect with ourselves,
To be still and to listen.
When we quieten our minds,
The more we can hear,
The more we can hear,
The more focused and clear we can be on where we want to go and therefore we're not dragged down or back by other noise or clutter in our minds.
So when you're ready,
I'd like you to go outside and find a tree.
Go and find your tree,
One that particularly speaks to you.
You can take a cushion if you like,
You can wrap up warm if you need to,
Take an umbrella if it's raining.
If you're unable to find a tree or if you can't get outside,
Then I'd like you to imagine your tree.
I'd like you to picture it in your mind where it is,
What kind of tree it is and what time of year it is.
When you're ready,
I'd like you to close your eyes and place your hands on the bark of the tree.
Take three big,
Abdominal breaths in,
Through your nose and out through your mouth.
Allow the extra oxygen to bring a sense of calm throughout your body.
Allow your shoulders to drop and your body to relax.
Start to become aware of your hands on the tree.
Notice the texture of the bark.
Is it rough or is it smooth?
Ask yourself how long the tree has been standing there.
Wonder what it has seen and what it's been witness to over the years.
Now I'd like you to turn round and either lean or sit against the tree,
Leaving at least one hand touching it.
Can you feel how solid the tree is?
Imagine the roots beneath your feet,
Reaching far down into the earth and holding this tree upright and solid for many years.
Feel its sturdiness,
Feel its strength,
Its prowess.
Feel the energy of the tree,
A living thing that is always growing,
Always reaching,
Always changing.
Take a deep breath in and sink further into the tree.
Exhale and feel yourself become one with the tree as your back softens further into it.
Inhale again and feel your roots intertwining with the roots of the tree.
Exhale and allow your energy to flow into the tree,
Up into the branches and the leaves of the trees and up into the skies.
Sit here for a while,
Inhaling and exhaling as one with the tree.
Take all the energy and the strength you need from this majestic giant of nature.
And when you're ready,
Start to bring your awareness to the noises around you,
The sensation of the ground beneath you and the bark behind your back.
Start to wiggle your fingers and toes.
Take a lovely deep breath here and then open your eyes and take that energy and that strength with you throughout your day.
I hope you've enjoyed this meditation and I'll speak to you soon.
