Hello there and good evening.
Take a few moments to close your eyes and then we'll begin to release any lingering tension or stress left over from today.
So settle in and breathe.
Slowing down the breathing now with deeper inhales and longer exhales.
Deep inhale and a long exhale.
During the course of a busy day we often forget to breathe.
So here in this space you have the opportunity to pay more attention to your breath,
Taking more time with each inhale and with each exhale until you reach a more calm slow rhythm of breathing.
Settling into a deeper state of relaxation with each breath.
Now allow your mind to travel over the events of the day.
From waking up this morning until this very moment,
Just let your day wash over you.
Now make an effort to disconnect from any lingering responsibilities,
Any stresses about how your day went or how tomorrow will go.
Remember that we are here to find gratitude for the day.
So relaxing the shoulders now and letting your head tilt forward slightly or tilt backwards if you would like to rest it on a cushion,
Relieving the neck of strain.
And bring your mind back to your day thinking about everyone whom you came into contact with.
Who was the first person you saw today?
How about the last person you interacted with?
Recall the conversations that you had,
The smiles and pleasantries you exchanged.
Recall every moment of interaction.
And as you do so,
Express gratitude for these moments of connection.
Even amid misunderstandings or arguments,
We must remember that we are all human.
We can learn a lot about each other if we simply listen and stay present.
And sharing our experiences with others is a gift.
Collaborating with others is a true treasure.
Align with thankfulness as you continue to recount the connections of the day.
Give your mind free reign here.
Try not to make any adjustments to your thoughts.
Simply let your mind flow unhindered.
Now connect with your body.
Think of everything it's done today to keep you safe and healthy.
Think of all of the processes that go on inside and out of sight.
Just sit in thankfulness for everything that your body has done for you today.
And once again,
No judgments,
Just gratitude.
Consider the food that you've eaten today,
The nourishment that you've given your body,
And once more,
No judgments here.
Simply appreciate every ounce of energy that your body has received.
Think about the memories that you made today.
What will you remember in five years?
Consider the notable events that you experienced.
Even a small gift,
A great meal,
Or a beautiful sunset.
What did you experience today?
Allow your mind to wander over any prominent emotion that you experienced.
Good or bad,
Remember that you are here to experience it all.
You wouldn't know joy if you didn't first experience sorrow after all.
Each emotion contributes to your story.
So what was your story today?
If your emotions become overwhelming,
Just bring yourself back to the present moment with your breath.
Simply breathe and return to the present for a few moments.
And then explore your emotions once more when you're ready.
Feel for each and everyone.
Finally,
Express gratitude for all of the skills that you carry.
Everything that you use in your daily life.
Perhaps you're especially good at solving problems and putting logic to work today.
Or maybe you called upon your creative side and channeled your compassionate nature to remedy a situation.
Appreciate these gifts and trust that you are growing them every single day,
Becoming stronger with each experience.
And continue to sit with this awareness breathing easily.
And now,
Come back to the present moment allowing the day to dissolve.
Right here at this moment,
You have no obligations.
You are here to relax.
You are here to rest.
Once again make sure that your shoulders and back are loose,
Free of stress,
Relieved of all responsibility.
Your back softens into your cushions,
Your forehead relaxes,
Your shoulders are nice and loose.
Every part of your body is nice and relaxed.
Let fulfillment course through you.
The deep satisfaction that follows a long productive day.
Whether you accomplished everything you set out to do today doesn't matter.
You showed up.
You were there.
You were present.
And you gave it your all.
Right now,
You deserve to slow down letting your body and mind rest.
So take a few more deep breaths as you sink even deeper into relaxation.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Release.
Inhale and exhale.
Relax.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Release.
Inhale and exhale.
Relax.
You may continue to breathe deeply,
Eye closed and body resting.
Or you may choose to open your eyes,
Coming back to your surroundings and continuing your night feeling peaceful,
Grateful and fulfilled.
And remember,
Be kind to one another,
Including yourself.
Namaste.
