When things happen that push us or challenge us in a variety of ways,
We sometimes get overwhelmed with heavy and difficult emotions,
And that's okay.
Let's take a deep breath in together,
And let that air out.
Why don't we do that again?
Inhale deeply,
And slowly exhale.
Breathe in through your nose and into your belly.
Hold your breath for one,
Two,
Three,
And now with control,
Release it.
Continue to breathe in this way,
And notice what it feels like to breathe and know that you are breathing.
If the mind is busy producing thoughts,
Let the mind be.
Don't try to stop these thoughts,
Just accept that at times your attention will get caught up in them,
And with kindness and without judging yourself,
Guide your attention back to your breath.
Allow your body to breathe however it wants to,
And just observe it.
Follow each breath cycle from the very beginning to the very end.
Very good.
In order to thrive in this world,
You need a certain amount of resilience.
You need to be able to bounce back,
And to get back up when you get knocked down.
Resilience doesn't come from offering a zen-like response to every experience that life throws at us.
Resilience is developed through discomfort,
Through feeling those heavy and difficult emotions that we often try to numb or avoid.
Please repeat the following affirmation with me.
I know that within me there's something greater than all my obstacles.
I know that within me there's something greater than all my obstacles.
Come back to your body,
And continue to feel and sense whatever is alive within you.
Remember the words of Maya Angelou.
I can be changed by what happens to me,
But I refuse to be reduced by it.
You will get through this,
One breath at a time.
Thank you for sitting with me.
See you next time.
