Begin by settling in,
Entering in to a space of relative calm,
Stillness,
And quiet.
Getting into yourself,
Into your body,
Into the more still points of your spirit.
Keeping your eyes closed if you're comfortable doing so.
Exercising gravity and its pull on your body.
The specific weight and mass and density of the various parts of your body.
Shoulders,
Knees,
Hips,
Head.
Letting presence and awareness drift almost haphazardly across your body.
Your right index finger.
Your tailbone.
Your left ear.
Your ankles.
Letting your awareness drift generously and without regret.
Finding your breath.
Perhaps even noticing your pulse or your digestion as you experience your body.
And give yourself the time and space to slow down,
Even just a little.
And settle into stillness and quiet.
Draw your mind to a kindly stranger.
Someone you may have seen a few times where you do your shopping.
Your mail carrier.
A wait person at a restaurant.
Within them,
There is kindness and love.
And allow yourself to send kindness and love toward them.
She or he is a companion to you in this journey of life.
Returning to slow and even breathing.
Picture someone you might describe as an acquaintance.
A coworker you see periodically.
A teammate.
Someone you know online.
Feel their care and generosity toward you.
And give your heart space to reciprocate.
They are also companion to you in this journey through life.
From that growing sensation of gratitude,
Settle into your breath.
Settle into your body.
Going down.
Picture a friend.
New or old.
Someone with whom you enjoy sharing experiences,
Conversation,
Worry,
Even an occasional secret.
Feel her or his love and affection.
Send that affection back to him or her.
Your companion.
And return again to your body and environment.
Consider the person with whom you are most intimate in this whole world.
A spouse.
Brother.
Girlfriend.
Best friend from childhood or school.
A person whom you trust without almost any reservation.
Feel their love,
Deep and unreserved.
Send back that selfless love to them.
Your close companion.
And let yourself settle in to your breath and space and time.
Now best of all,
You.
Your truly beloved self,
Body and spirit.
Look to yourself,
Who loves you more than you can fathom.
And send that infinite love back within.
Your truest companion.
Your lifelong friend.
Let that love of self fill you up like a spring.
Overflowing with companionship and care.
Experience that fullness as you continue to breathe through our ending bells.
Baker.
You
