During this meditation,
We will focus on the element of water.
Your body weight is more than 50% water,
And without it you couldn't maintain a normal body temperature,
Lubricate your joints,
Or even perform daily bodily functions.
Water has the power of constant change.
When cold,
It crystallizes and freezes.
When hot,
It steams.
When touched,
It ripples.
Water is a mirror of our ever-changing environment.
It's also cleansing,
Healing,
And is a loving element.
It's the feeling of friendship and love that pours over you when you're with family,
Friends,
And loved ones.
Water also quenches your thirst and it cleanses your skin.
Make sure that you're in a seat that comfortably supports your spine and that your feet are resting flat on the floor or in your car.
Place your hands in your lap,
Either folded or let them rest on your thighs,
Palms down.
Go ahead and set your eyes softly on a point in front of you on the floor and just let them rest there.
Draw in a deep inhale and let out a deep exhale.
Take two more deep breaths in and out,
And then let the focus of your eyes continue to soften even more.
Now if you're under a lot of stress,
It may take you a little longer to relax and that's okay.
Sitting mindfully is about what you observe,
Not what you achieve.
Bring to your mind's eye your favorite body of water.
It could be a gentle stream,
A quiet lake,
Or even a vast ocean.
Notice the qualities of the water,
Such as its color,
Whether it's still or whether it's moving.
Sense also the sounds and smells you experience when being near this water.
And for the next several rounds of breath,
Experience this image with all of your senses.
Continue to notice your breath.
Allow the senses and the sounds and the sights from your favorite image of water continue to wash over you.
Begin to bring awareness back to the room that you're in,
While gently allowing the image of your favorite body of water to recede.
Draw in a deep inhale and then let out a deep exhale.
Take two more breaths in and out.
And if your eyes were closed,
Gently flutter them open.
And if they were open,
Slowly bring them back into focus.
Look around the space you're in and take another deep breath in and let another deep breath out.
May you remember the elements of your favorite body of water throughout the day,
Especially when you feel particularly stressed or just need to take a break for yourself.
Namaste.
