Welcome to the I Can't Relax podcast,
Where I describe visual scenes from around the world to calm your mind in stressful situations.
I'm your host,
Benjamin Boster.
Today's episode takes you on a peaceful ride in a hot air balloon.
Before we begin,
Take a moment to find a distraction-free space where you can get comfortable sitting or lying down.
If you'd like,
Allow your eyes to gently close.
And let's begin.
You are standing in a wide open field,
Just before dawn.
The sky is shifting from the deep blue of night to the soft pastels of morning.
A crisp fall breeze gently brushes your face,
And as the first rays of sunlight warm your skin,
You feel the cool night fading away.
In front of you,
A red and blue striped hot air balloon stands ready to lift you into the sky.
It towers above you,
And a sense of excitement washes over you.
Take a deep breath in,
And exhale slowly,
Letting go of any tension you feel.
You reach out and feel the sturdy wicker basket under your hands as you step inside.
Finding a comfortable place to settle in,
You notice the slight sway of the balloon.
The sound of the burner fills your ears as it warms the air inside the balloon.
You give a nod to the pilot,
Who checks the wind once more before starting the ascent.
With each burst of the burner,
You begin to lift off,
Slowly and effortlessly rising into the sky.
Look around as the landscape transforms beneath you.
Woods and forests painted in autumn colors stretch out below.
The horizon glows with the first light of day,
Bathing everything in a golden hue.
The stillness of the early morning is broken only by the soft whoosh of the burner and the distant calls of birds waking up.
As you float higher,
The world below becomes a peaceful mosaic.
Rivers wind through the countryside like shimmering ribbons,
And small towns dot the landscape,
Their rooftops glinting in the sun.
The air is crisp and clear,
Filled with the fresh scent of morning.
Feel the gentle sway of the balloon as you drift with the breeze.
The basket is sturdy and secure,
Allowing you to relax completely.
The sensation of floating is calming,
Reminding you of nature's quiet beauty.
To your left,
A flock of birds flies in formation,
Their movements graceful and synchronized.
Visualize yourself gliding alongside them,
Sharing in their freedom.
The sky around you is vast and open,
Inviting you to take deep,
Full breaths.
Ahead,
You catch sight of a mountain range in the distance.
The peaks are bathed in the soft light of the rising sun.
There are snowy tops glowing against the sky.
Take a moment to find a comfortable spot in the basket and absorb the view.
Feel the cool morning air on your skin and the warmth of the sun as it rises higher.
Close your eyes for a moment,
Focusing on your breath.
Inhale deeply,
Hold it briefly,
Then exhale slowly,
Releasing any lingering tension.
As you sit quietly,
Listen to the gentle sounds around you,
The occasional hiss of the burner,
The soft whisper of the wind,
And distant sounds drifting up from the earth below.
Let these sounds bring you into a deeper state of calm.
Imagine reaching out and feeling the cool morning air on your hand,
Pure,
Crisp,
And refreshing.
Take some time to appreciate the harmony of this peaceful moment.
Once again,
Bring your attention to your breath.
Inhale deeply,
Filling your lungs with fresh morning air.
Hold it for a moment,
Then exhale,
Feeling more connected to the sky with each breath.
As the balloon starts to descend,
The landscape below gradually comes back into focus.
The fields,
Forests,
And rivers become more defined,
Their colors rich and vibrant in the morning light.
Floating above the world like this brings a sense of calm and clarity.
You soon realize that your balloon has come to a stop.
Continue to exit the balloon,
And appreciate what you've seen on your journey.
Now slowly bring your awareness back to the present.
Gently stretch if you need to,
And when you're ready,
Open your eyes.
Thank you for joining me on this mindful hot air balloon ride.
Until next time.
