06:46

Begin Again: A Gentle Morning Practice

by Itzel Hayward

Rated
4.8
Type
guided
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
1.1k

This short morning meditation offers a gentle invitation to begin each day with presence. You’ll be guided to notice the breath, soften tension in the body, and set an intention for the day. Listening daily helps strengthen your capacity to meet life with steadiness and an open heart.

MorningMeditationBody ScanBreath AwarenessIntentionCompassionCalmPeaceMorning MeditationHeart Centered MeditationIntention SettingCompassion CultivationCalm ExpansionUniversal Peace Wish

Transcript

Welcome.

I'm Itzel and I'm grateful you're here.

I'm grateful you're here to start the day by coming home to yourself,

To the breath,

To the simple gift of being here,

Alive,

In this time,

In this place,

In this moment.

And so wherever you are,

Allow the body to find a position that feels steady and supported by the earth beneath you,

Whether that's sitting,

Standing,

Or lying down.

You may take a moment to gently roll the shoulders back,

Allow them to relax,

Soften the jaw,

Relax the muscles around the eyes,

And allow the gaze to lower and gently soften,

Or if it's comfortable,

Allow the eyes to close.

And notice the breath.

No need to change it or alter it in any way.

Just feel the natural rhythm of the inhale and exhale.

The body being breathed by life itself.

If you notice thoughts begin to appear in the mind,

Let them drift by like morning clouds moving through a vast sky.

And then gently return to this moment,

To this breath,

Simply being here.

And now bring the awareness to the heart,

That seat of compassion and loving awareness.

Imagine the breath flowing in and out through the heart.

As the breath moves,

Feel a wave of calm expanding through the chest,

The shoulders,

The arms and hands.

With each breath,

Let that calm ripple outward,

Down through the legs to the feet,

Up through the shoulders and neck,

Filling the head,

Filling the whole being.

And as calm settles in throughout the body,

Take a moment to set an intention for today.

This may be an intention that's already alive in you,

Or something that emerges now.

And if it's helpful,

I offer this one for you today.

Today I embody calm and compassion.

Silently repeat this intention to yourself in words or experience it a sensation.

And let your intention rest within the body,

Not as something to achieve,

But as a gentle presence to return to.

If attention drifts,

Breathe again and come back to your intention as a quiet rhythm or as a felt sense within.

And as you're ready,

Return the awareness back to the breath.

Take in one full deep breath and gently release.

And may your intention accompany you through the day.

May it be woven into each breath,

Each conversation,

Each act you take today.

And together,

Let's close out this practice by sending out a silent wish that the entire universe and all beings everywhere know peace,

Peace,

And only peace.

And when ready,

Gently lift the gaze or open the eyes.

And I hope you return again tomorrow to begin the day in this way again.

Thank you.

Meet your Teacher

Itzel HaywardOakland, CA, USA

4.8 (209)

Recent Reviews

Katy

February 16, 2026

I love how you explained the intentions as something to guide me. That helped me so much. Lovely season. Thank you!

Neil

January 27, 2026

Beautiful soothing and positive start to the day with a lovely gentle voice. Thank you. ❤️ Let's welcome peace into the world... 🙏🏻

Geoff

January 17, 2026

Thank you for this wonderful way to start the day. Namaste

Alexis

January 16, 2026

This was a beautiful morning pause I definitely needed this! I love this 7 minute pause I can go back to each morning when life feels heavy and overwhelming! Bookmarked! Thank you so much! 🙏🏼🫶🏼💖✨🦋🌻

Arlene

January 9, 2026

Such a peaceful way to start the day. thank you 😊🙏

More from Itzel Hayward

Loading...

Related Meditations

Loading...

Related Teachers

Loading...
© 2026 Itzel Hayward. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

How can we help?

Sleep better
Reduce stress or anxiety
Meditation
Spirituality
Something else