Salutations.
Leaves on a Stream is a guided mindfulness exercise.
The intention of this exercise is to practice being the observer of the thinking process and learning that thinking is ongoing.
And so we don't need to get caught by our thoughts,
But we can learn to observe and allow the thoughts to pass.
I'd like for you to find a comfortable position in which to do this exercise,
A position which honors you and what you're needing physically.
Gently close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath.
Take in a few slow,
Deep,
Intentional breaths.
Breathing in and breathing out.
Notice the breath as it brings your focus to how you are in this moment.
Breathing in and breathing out.
Allow the breath to just go back to its natural rhythm.
The effortless inhale and exhale.
And gently shift your attention from your breath to your mind's eye.
I want you to imagine that you are sitting next to a stream.
Notice that that stream is gently flowing by you.
The water trickling and passing by.
And just picture the stream.
Notice the flow of the water.
Now imagine that a leaf is floating on top of the stream.
Watch it as it passes.
Imagine that another leaf passes,
And yet another,
Until one leaf after the next is gently floating by atop of the stream.
Now imagine that you could place one thought after another atop the leaf.
Allow each thought that you think to be placed on a leaf and to gently float by.
Notice that thoughts weigh nothing and they can gently ride the leaf as it passes.
And just continue with this process,
Gently observing,
Thinking,
By placing each thought on the leaf and watch as it passes.
If you notice that the stream has stopped flowing,
Look to see where your mind took you and place that thought atop the leaf and watch it float by too.
One thought after another atop the leaf.
Now I want you to bring your focus back to your breath,
Gently leaving that image of the stream.
Just focus back on the breath,
Breathing in and breathing out.
When you're ready,
Come back to the room and open your eyes.
I hope you're able to continue to use this exercise to practice working with your thoughts.
