Let's rest.
The world is growing quieter.
Twilight envelops your landscape.
Pause now and release the day.
Lie down somewhere comfortable,
Making your body as cozy and warm as you can,
Maybe so you eventually drift off to sleep.
Slow your breathing.
Let the subtle,
Repetitive sounds of evening nature calm your mind and body,
A perfect backdrop for relaxation or to induce sleep.
Let go of your efforts.
Exhale and soften how life buzzes in you.
Imagine yourself settling heavily into earth.
Exhale and release.
Feel your whole body grounding.
Sink in,
Cocoon into the support of earth and into the dark.
Exhale and release.
Is there tension around your eyes?
Imagine busy thoughts drawing back behind your eyes to be neutralized into the steadiness of the earth below.
Exhale and get softer.
Is there a pit of tightness in your belly?
Are anxieties in the belly blocking you from a deeper rest?
Visualize a pool of calm water in your belly.
Let it settle.
Observe the rise and fall of your breath.
Like the ocean's gentle sway,
Your easeful breath lulls you into deeper relaxation.
Soften your whole body.
Be soothed by the pull of this earth.
Notice the calmness and serenity in your body,
Your whole body relaxing with nature.
Just be.
Let the day go.
Let go of the past and let this hard-working body and mind rest.
If you can,
Remain here longer.
Thank you to all the songs of nature.
And thank you for practicing with me.