Hello family.
Thank you all for taking this time to practice together.
I'll encourage you all to settle into a circle if possible.
Otherwise,
Allow yourself to land naturally where you are and just take a moment to appreciate what it took for everyone to get to this point,
To want to practice together,
To engage in this form of collective care and compassion.
Allow yourself to soak in this initial gratitude as you start to get in touch with your body.
And once you settle in more,
Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
Take a collective deep breath.
Exhale for as long as you can.
Observe any initial sensations within you.
Allow for them to be as they are.
And then shift your attention to your toes.
You may even wiggle them ever so gently.
Just as gently move your ankles.
And allow a wave of relaxation to travel up through your legs.
Feel the weight of your body sinking into the support beneath you.
Now bring attention to your hands.
Wiggle your fingers.
Notice any sensations.
Imagine a soft warm light enveloping your hands,
Soothing and calming them.
And then shift your focus back to your breath.
Inhale deeply,
Counting to four.
Hold the breath and then exhale slowly to the count of six.
Doing this one more time.
Inhaling deeply for the count of four.
Holding for a moment.
Exhaling to the count of six.
Let each breath deepen the sense of relaxation.
As you breathe,
I'll invite you to once again envision a soft glowing light.
This time at the center of your chest.
This light represents the love and connection within your family.
With each inhale,
Feel this light expanding and radiating warmth.
With each exhale,
Release any worries or stress.
Knowing that you have your community to support.
In the quiet of your mind,
Repeat the following phrases or allow any to generate that come naturally to you.
May our family be filled with love and understanding.
May we be filled with love and understanding.
May we be filled with love and understanding.
May we be surrounded by peace and compassion.
May the generations before us be acknowledged with gratitude and appreciation.
May the generations to come be embraced with hope and acceptance.
May we find strength in our shared experiences and wisdom.
May our family be a source of healing and joy for each member.
As you notice these affirmations and how they resonate within you,
See if you can imagine the golden thread connecting each family member.
Observing it growing stronger and more vibrant.
Extend this thread beyond your family circle.
Imagining it reaching back to the generations before you.
Acknowledging the strengths and wisdom that has been passed down.
Acknowledging the strengths and wisdom that has been passed down.
And then envisioning it stretching forward to the generations yet to come.
Carrying the love and harmony you cultivate today.
At this point you may silently think about each individual in your family.
What is it that you appreciate most?
What is it you'd like to share with them?
What is it you may express even after this practice?
To really let them know you care about them.
That your life is so much more because they are in it.
That their support,
Their care,
Their infinite love for you has allowed you to really feel you can accomplish anything that you matter.
Anything that comes to mind,
Allow it to be present here allow it to be present here in the spirit of gratitude.
Feel this energy flowing around the space strengthening the bond that unites you all.
Each of you is a precious part of the family tree.
Each one valuable,
Necessary,
Supported by the roots of those that have come before you.
Embody this truth in your next few breaths and as we bring this meditation to a close slowly become aware of your surroundings.
Slowly become aware of your surroundings.
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes.
Gradually open your eyes sharing a collective smile.
Thank you for joining this family practice.
May the sense of harmony and connection cultivated here resonate across generations.
Amen.
