Settle into a comfortable position,
Either seated or laying down.
Adjust your body however you need in order to be comfortable.
Then let your eyes close.
Take a long,
Slow breath in through your nose and out through your nose.
Continue to breathe,
Becoming more and more centered and calm.
Feel how your breathing soothes your body.
Find the places in your body that are holding onto tension.
They might feel tight,
Sore,
Or tired.
Breathe into those places so that the breath covers them with care.
Let any tension you find be released with your exhalations.
Notice the quality of your mind.
Any worries,
Fears,
Judgments,
Or frustrations.
Recognize what's there.
And then allow it to release as you breathe out.
Let go of any memories or plans,
Anything that's drawing your mind away.
These thoughts release every time you breathe out.
Recognize the effects of this physical,
Mental,
And emotional relaxation.
From this clarity,
We'll acknowledge the gifts of this human life.
First,
Recognize the gift of life itself,
The most precious gift.
Someone gave birth to you,
Fed you,
Cared for you,
Clothed you,
Taught you to speak and understand,
To make sense of the world.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Recognize the gift of a heartbeat,
Steady and regular,
Moment after moment,
Pumping fresh life-giving blood to all of your organs so that your body can function optimally and give you the best conditions of health.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Next,
Consider the gift of hearing,
The sounds that allow you to hear and learn,
The songs of the birds,
Voices of people around you,
The sound of your own breath rhythmically flowing in and out.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Recognize the gift of sight,
Allowing you to see vibrant colors,
The beauty of nature,
Helping you to read and learn.
We appreciate a beautiful sunset,
Walking outside and our favorite books.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Next,
The gift of touch,
The feelings that allow you to experience a hug,
To be warm and cold,
To have pain signals when your body is in danger or hurt.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Consider the gift of taste,
The varied flavors of the food that nature provides and the joy we experience of nourishing our bodies when we eat.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Repeat the gift of smell,
The scent of clear air,
Fresh flowers and herbs,
A cup of tea,
Your favorite foods.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Next,
The gift of mobility,
How your body can move to take you places,
To create varied experiences in your life,
The ability to exercise and keep your body in motion to be healthy.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Recognize the gift of communication,
Allowing you to share your ideas,
To let your voice be heard,
To listen to others,
And to form relationships.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Repeat the gift of thought,
Our thinking mind that allows you to have rational ideas,
To experience emotions,
To analyze and process our situations,
To hold memories and dream about the future.
Repeat to yourself,
I am grateful.
Embracing the gifts in our lives awakens our heart and mind.
Linger in this peaceful joy for as long as you'd like.
When you feel ready,
Become more aware of your surroundings.
Start to gently move your body and slowly open your eyes.
