Meditation is meant to increase our awareness of something.
We focus our mind on a topic so we can know a little more than we did before.
That might be our breath.
That might be our body.
And sometimes.
We assume that meditation is meant to be calming,
Peaceful and relaxing.
But life is not just about the good times.
Life contains pain and suffering.
Though it is difficult.
It is important to increase our knowledge of our experience of these painful topics that might make us uncomfortable or invite fear.
Take a breath.
Let it go.
Let's get into position.
Sit cross-legged on a blanket or yoga mat with your spine lifted and straight.
Roll your shoulders back and down.
Relax your arms naturally and place your hands on your knees or in your lap.
Or you can lie down on your back with your arms slightly away from your body with your palms facing up and with your legs stretched out straight and relaxed Relax all the muscles in your body.
And soften your breath.
Close your eyes or simply soften your gaze.
Take a long,
Slow,
Deep inhalation.
And as you exhale.
.
.
Start to gently reflect on how you spend your time.
How you spend your life.
Where does your attention go?
What fills your days?
You might imagine watching your life from above.
Your morning routine.
Going to work.
How you handle stress,
When you're mindlessly scrolling.
Conversations.
Responsibilities.
Moments of love.
Moments of distraction.
Notice.
Reserve judgment.
Or simply observing.
Now ask yourself,
What truly matters to me?
What kind of person do I want to be?
If life is temporary,
What deserves my energy?
Imagine your heart glowing softly.
A warm light inside of your chest.
This light represents your values.
What you're capable of.
Your compassion.
Your wisdom.
Your humanity.
Imagine this light grows brighter each time you choose kindness.
Each time you forgive.
Each time you slow down.
To truly be present.
Awareness of death is not meant to make you afraid.
It is meant to help you wake up.
To stop postponing your life.
To stop postponing love.
To stop postponing peace.
Take a deep breath.
And as you exhale,
Ask yourself.
What matters.
How do I want to spend my time?
How do I want to fill my days?
What will I focus my attention on?
To those who do not have a home.
May they be warm protected and safe.
May all beings experience care and compassion.
When you're ready,
Slowly start to wiggle your fingers,
Wiggle your toes.
Maybe do some shoulder rolls or a few neck circles.
Take a nice long stretch.
Blink open your eyes Breathe.
And bring your awareness back to the room.
