Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realise that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.
This quote is a really positive statement from Eckhart Tolle and I think we will realise this but maybe it will be in hindsight when the virus and the lockdown are over and we go back to our previous existence.
But what if we were to look for these positives now,
Before it all ceases?
We live in a world,
Particularly right now,
Where fear and negativity are the norm.
Your brain is actually hardwired to look for the negative and the dangerous.
It's there to keep you alive and safe.
But sometimes that can tip over into a constant negative state,
Whereas we only see the negative aspects and don't look at the whole picture.
In this whole picture,
There are lots of good and beautiful and noble things too.
We watch,
Read or listen to the news where seeds of fear are planted and watered daily,
Alongside relief maybe,
That it isn't at our doorstep.
But also there in the picture,
There are stories of altruism and kindness,
Of support and celebration,
Of teamwork and love.
We might just have to be more deliberate to tune into those things rather than focusing on the other.
I love how every Thursday night people across the country clap,
Cheer,
Honk and make as much noise as possible,
But stand together whilst keeping distance in unity and pride for all our key workers,
Still in full swing,
Ensuring our country can still function healthily.
So in today's meditation,
We are going to focus on things we are grateful for.
It is scientifically proven that regular practicing gratitude improves physical and psychological health.
It helps us to sleep better,
Improve self-esteem,
Increases mental strength,
Disentangles us from toxic emotions.
And if you practice it often enough,
It can rewire your brain to help you become more positive.
I challenge you to try this for seven days,
Every morning before you even get out of bed,
Count on five fingers things that you are grateful for.
They could be small,
Seemingly insignificant things,
Or serious and important.
It doesn't matter.
What does matter is that they are five brand new things every day.
Try it.
Let's try this together now.
We are going to focus on our senses in this practice.
So I invite you to close your eyes and relax.
Take your attention to your breath.
Don't try and change it,
Just notice it.
Notice the full journey of the inhale.
And the full journey of the exhale.
Become aware of any sounds inside your room.
And outside of your room.
Don't go searching for them,
Just allow them to come to you as if your ears were like microphones picking up sounds.
And now let's begin with a sound.
Think of a sound that you really love.
It could be the sound of someone's voice,
Or a baby laughing,
Or a sound in nature,
Or a piece of music.
Think about that sound now.
How does it make you feel when you hear it?
Sit with this feeling.
And say to yourself,
I'm grateful for this sound.
And now a smell.
What do you love the smell of?
Is it a perfume or aftershave?
A particularly plant or flower?
The smell of nature?
Cut grass or fresh air?
Or maybe it's a kind of food?
Think about that smell now.
How does it make you feel?
Sit with this feeling for a moment.
And say to yourself,
I am grateful for this aroma.
Now what is your favourite thing to touch or feel?
Is it an embrace or a hug from those you love?
Is it to touch a particular fabric?
Is it the feel of clean sheets against your skin or a fluffy towel after a shower?
Or rain on your face?
Or sand between your toes?
What is it for you?
And how does this touch make you feel?
Sit with that feeling for a moment.
And say to yourself,
I am grateful for this touch.
And now taste.
What is your favourite thing to taste?
Is it a delicious meal or a refreshing drink?
Is it the mouthwatering taste of a fruit or the taste of a kiss?
What is it for you?
How does this make you feel when you taste this?
Sit with this for a moment.
And say to yourself,
I am grateful for this taste.
And finally your sight.
What is your favourite thing to look at?
Is it an old photo of someone past?
Is it your child or grandchild's face?
Is it your partner's smile?
Is it a beautiful view in nature?
Or is it a pet happy to see you?
What is it that you just love to look at?
How does it make you feel to see it?
Sit with that for a moment.
And say to yourself,
I am grateful for this.
Now become aware of your feet on the ground,
Your bottom on the seat,
Your back against the chair.
Become aware of any noises around you inside or outside of the room.
And have a picture of yourself in your space.
And when you are ready,
Open your eyes.
Thank you.
