We can start with a gentle gaze around the room you are in.
Noticing your relation to everything in the space.
Just noticing how things are.
Then allow your awareness to travel with this moment.
Taking in the air.
Feeling more connected with your breath and its natural rhythm.
If you haven't already,
You can begin to close your eyes or take a soft gaze.
Find a comfortable position to direct your attention inward.
Soaking in and observing any of your body's sensations.
Any areas of tension or pressure or lightness.
See what shifts with each breath.
Notice these areas begin to soften more.
Then if you would like,
You may take one deep conscious breath in through your nose for as long as you can.
And then release this breath with a sigh of relief for this moment to be present.
Today I will invite you to do a bit of time traveling.
Going as far back as you can remember when you had nothing to do but explore and have fun in the world around you.
It may help to start with asking your nervous system to bring up an uplifting image from your childhood while taking in some deep breaths to further the sense of connection to these warm memories from long ago.
Even if it is hard to come up with a memory.
See what comes to mind when the ideas of childlike curiosity and wonder are brought to your conscious attention.
Allow your mind to travel wherever it takes you.
See if it lands on any images,
Memories or experiences related to youthful joy.
Notice who is with you in this memory,
What your thoughts are,
Your sensory experiences.
And see if you can acknowledge any emotions that ignite curiosity and wonder.
Maybe you've had a moment of nostalgia.
Maybe you are currently feeling a mix of various sensations of various emotions.
Know that these memories are just that.
Memories that can be reflected on and then reshelved,
Restored or even released depending on what best meets your needs at this moment in time.
Notice again no image or memories too big or small.
No memory any more or less significant than the next.
Maybe thinking of a time of self discovery,
Connecting more to nature or any other form of feeling more connected to your mind,
Body and spirit that occurred during this earlier time in life.
Now let's try to imagine an experience where you were building something.
Think about what materials you were using.
What the project was.
Maybe if you were doing this on your own or with other children or adults in your life as well.
See what it is like to take these materials and build them up higher and higher as far as your arms can go.
Notice how exciting it is to see your hard work pay off and allow yourself to soak in the celebration of creating a beautiful monument.
If pieces start to fall off or the building topples down altogether.
Take note of any sensations that arise.
Any disappointment or even delight in being able to get to do it again.
Our inner child has the innate wisdom to see that repetition is a gift,
Especially since each time is never quite the same as the last.
Take note of how this beginner's mindset resonates with your present self and inner child.
Let the two integrate as much as possible to this moment.
Using the power of your breath to bring them to a harmonious union.
If there is anything you want to say to this younger version of you,
Feel free to do so now.
If you don't have anything specific you want to share,
Express any form of loving kindness to this little one now.
Take time with sharing your warmth and love.
If you would like,
You may set an intention to do something playful today or in the week ahead to further solidify the sense of joy and peace.
And then when you are ready,
Start adjusting back to the space you are in.
See if you can note anything in a more playful and joyous mindset.
Thank you for your practice and your presence.
