Learning to relax is a bit like learning how to walk or swing on a swing.
No one can really tell us how to balance ourselves so that we don't fall down while walking.
We have to find our own way toward that sense of balance.
The same holds true for relaxation.
We learn what relaxation is not by having someone tell us how to do it,
But simply by experimenting with it ourselves.
So this is what I'm inviting in this meditation.
The discovery of what it means to you to completely let go and relax into your own experience.
Just settle into a comfortable position.
Feel free to do this practice with eyes open or closed.
While I can't tell you exactly how to relax,
I can offer a metaphor that you might find helpful.
Imagine you're settling into a warm bath.
Relaxing into your experience is like getting into the warm water and just letting yourself sink into the comfort,
The ease,
And the lusciousness of it.
No matter what you're experiencing right now,
Just allow yourself to sink into the warm waters of this moment,
However it may be appearing.
No matter the thoughts,
Feelings,
Or sensations that are present,
Just relax into whatever is showing up,
Feeling whatever is here in this instant.
If you notice any resistance to what's appearing in your body or mind,
Just feel that,
Allowing the resistance to be there as well.
Let go into the warm,
Luscious waters of whatever is present here.
Immerse yourself in those waters,
Relaxing again and again,
Deeper and deeper into whatever is being felt and experienced right now.
For now,
It doesn't matter where your attention goes.
Whatever places the mind might travel to,
Right there is your opportunity to settle in.
Just feel that particular point of focus,
However long that moment appears to linger.
Whatever is being felt,
Whatever is being seen or known or experienced,
Just sink into that,
Enjoying the feeling of relaxing with what is,
And the sense of ease that tends to come about when we let go of trying to alter the flow of experience.
As we bring this meditation to a close,
Remember as you go about your day that no matter the experiences or circumstances that are present,
No matter how the moment may be unfolding,
You can always let go and relax into that,
Being with the flow of experience exactly as it is.
