How Do You Want To Feel?

Hello and welcome!

In this brief meditation, we practice self-acceptance and intention in how you want to feel (instead of how you think you should feel). I hope you find it helpful and that creating space for your tenderness brings you peace.

In kindness,

Leah Joy

Music credit: The Ambient by Kevin Macleod

Transcript

Hello there,

And welcome.

I'm Leah Joy.

It means something that you've taken these few moments for yourself.

It really does.

If you're sitting,

Notice the weight of your body.

Let yourself arrive without needing to do anything or fix anything.

Just be.

Let's begin by taking a deep breath together.

In through your nose,

And gently out through your mouth.

Now,

Once again,

In and out.

Let yourself settle.

There are so many things asking for our attention these days.

Notifications,

Noise,

Opinions,

Expectations.

It's no wonder we sometimes feel pulled in all directions.

But right here,

Right now,

You are safe to pause.

You are allowed to turn inward.

So let me ask you gently,

How do you want to feel today?

Not how you're supposed to feel,

Not how you think you should feel,

But deep down,

How do you want to feel?

Maybe you want to feel peaceful,

Or present,

Or strong,

Or curious,

Or simply okay.

Okay.

Let that feeling gently rise to the surface.

There's no rush.

Now bring your attention to your breath.

Let it be slow and steady,

Just as it is.

As you breathe in,

Imagine welcoming that feeling.

And as you breathe out,

Imagine releasing anything that doesn't serve it.

Inhale,

I welcome calm.

Exhale,

I release pressure.

Inhale,

I welcome compassion.

Exhale,

I release judgment.

Inhale,

I welcome joy.

Exhale,

I release the need to be anywhere else.

You can repeat this with whatever feeling is true for you.

Take this moment to practice.

There will always be noise out there.

And there will always be noise in here too.

Racing thoughts,

Worries,

Old stories we tell ourselves.

But underneath all of it,

You are still here,

Whole,

Worthy,

Capable of returning to what matters most.

This intention,

This feeling you want to live from,

It's like a lighthouse.

And you can keep coming back to it,

No matter how stormy the waters get.

You are not the noise.

You are the one who chooses where to place your attention.

So as we bring this practice to a close,

I'll invite you to place one hand on your heart.

And if you like,

Say gently to yourself,

I remember how I want to feel.

And I return to it now.

I trust I can carry it with me.

Take one last deep breath in.

And a slow breath out.

Thank you for taking this moment for yourself.

And for practicing with me.

The world is a better place with you in it.

Just as you are.

Thank you for being here.