Meditation is meant to increase our awareness of something.
We know a little more than we did before.
Sometimes that something might be the breath.
It might be the body.
And we often expect it to be something that is calming,
Peaceful,
Or relaxing.
But life is not only calm and peaceful moments.
Life contains pain.
Suffering.
Grief,
And loss.
Though it is difficult,
It is important to increase our knowledge and awareness of topics that might make us uncomfortable,
Upset,
Or invite fear.
Take a breath.
Let's get into position Sit cross-legged on a blanket with your spine lifted and straight Roll your shoulders back and down.
Relax your arms naturally.
Place your hands on your knees or in your lap.
Or you can lie back on a yoga mat or blanket on the floor with your arms slightly away from your body with your palms facing up And with your legs,
Stretch straight and relaxed.
Relax all the muscles in your body Soften your breath.
Close your eyes or simply soften your gaze.
Take a deep breath in.
Deep breath out.
Life is uncertain.
No one knows exactly how long they will live.
Some of us die young.
Some of us live into old age.
No one truly knows.
Take a breath.
Notice any fear that's coming up for you.
What does that fear want?
That fear might want certainty.
Knowing control.
A guarantee.
But life does not promise certainty.
Imagine yourself walking through the morning fog You cannot see the entire path ahead of you.
Only your next few steps.
And still.
You continue walking.
As you move forward.
There is more clarity.
This is how life is lived.
Not knowing everything.
Not being able to see the path forward.
But continuing anyway.
Moving anyway.
Loving anyway.
Showing up anyway.
Breathing,
Anyway.
Uncertainty can feel frightening.
But uncertainty also makes life sacred.
If everything were guaranteed,
Would we appreciate this moment?
This conversation.
This sunrise.
This breath.
You might place a hand on your heart.
Feel it beating Feel your aliveness,
Right now,
Right here This moment is real.
And this moment is enough.
To those who are being harmed by violence,
War,
Or conflict.
May peace and protection surround them.
May all beings live free from fear.
When you're ready.
Slowly start to wiggle your fingers Wiggle your toes Take a nice deep breath.
Maybe give yourself a nice long stretch Start to blink your eyes open and bring your awareness back to the room.
