Stress.
We've all dealt with it.
Sometimes we handle stress in healthy ways,
But other times we let the pressure get the better of us.
Even worse is when we get into a harmful loop,
Letting the stress beat on itself,
Letting it grow bigger and heavier until it's out of control.
Stress accumulates and you need daily recovery times,
Even if that time comes in moments and not hours.
Before stress gets a hold on you and does any real damage,
You can learn how to control and release the strain.
It's time now to master how to breathe easy,
Relax and let go of any stress you feel right now.
So if you're ready,
Relax,
Get comfortable in a quiet area,
Either sitting up straight or lying down with your arms by your sides.
Now close your eyes and let the worries of the day go.
Notice your breath in and out,
Breathing deeply and slowly,
Just breathing in and out.
You are becoming more relaxed.
As you breathe and continue to relax,
Visualize yourself in a peaceful forest,
On a well-worn trail.
As you walk along the trail,
Through the forest,
You come across a set of stone stairs leading further down the path.
There are five steps on that stairway.
As you stand at the top of the stairs,
You know that walking down those stairs will help you to relax even more deeply.
As you step down the first step,
You feel peaceful.
You step down the second step and you are even more relaxed.
Stepping again down to the third step and you feel more calm.
Down to the fourth step,
You feel more relaxed.
Now down to the fifth step and you are totally at ease.
Now that you are fully relaxed,
You continue to walk along the path.
The path soon brings you to the edge of a large,
Still pond.
The water is calm and it looks like a mirror.
And the only thing you hear are the sounds of the forest,
Birds,
Insects,
Maybe even a frog or two and all is well.
It is in this moment that you realize how simple it is for you to be totally at ease and to just be here at the side of a quiet pond on your own,
Peaceful,
Relaxed and at one with your surroundings.
You are here listening to the sounds of the forest,
Feeling incredibly comfortable.
The calmness of the water reflects the calmness you feel in your mind and your body.
You can come back here anytime into your peace.
You can come back to this feeling of calmness and serenity simply by touching your left thumb and middle finger together.
Do that now to lock this in.
Touch your left thumb and middle finger together.
Now anytime you want to return to this feeling of peace and calm,
Just touch your left thumb and middle finger together and you will be back at this still pond in the forest feeling serene and relaxed.
And when you are ready,
Turn back to the trail and make your way back to the stone stairs in the woods.
At the base of the stairs you begin to feel refreshed and ready to return to your day.
As you step up on the fifth step you feel more awake and aware.
Stepping up to the fourth step you are more clear.
Stepping up to the third step you remain at ease.
Now you step up to the second step you are a little more alert.
And as you step up to the first step you are fully awake and fully aware.
You are now calm,
Peaceful and ready to embrace your day.
But for now,
Let's enjoy one more minute of this peaceful music.
