Dear friends,
As this day comes to a close,
Let us take a moment to reflect with gratitude on the gift of the day.
Make sure you are in a comfortable position and let's focus on the breath as we begin our meditation.
You know the formula.
Breathing in,
I am aware that I am breathing in.
Breathing out,
I am aware that I am breathing out.
Breathing in and out,
We give thanks for the simple gift of our breath.
The breath can help to bring calm to even the most stressful situations.
We just have to call it to mind.
Let's allow ourselves one minute,
Just 60 seconds,
To become present with the aid of the breath.
Welcome back.
As this day draws to a close,
Let us express gratitude for the fact of our existence and for the blessings and challenges that have come our way today.
Whether our experiences were joyful or difficult,
Each moment offers the opportunity for growth and wisdom.
We call to mind the words of Rumi in his famous reflection called The Guesthouse.
This being human is a guesthouse.
Every morning a new arrival,
A joy,
A depression,
A meanness.
Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all,
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows.
Violently sweep your house empty of its furniture.
Still,
Treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought,
The shame,
The malice.
Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
Words there from the 13th century scholar Rumi.
So we offer thanks for all the people we encountered today,
For the connections we formed and the lessons we learned.
As we come to this time of rest,
We recognize the beauty and the tranquility of the world.
We offer thanks for the amazing human body that carried us through the day's activities.
Finally,
Knowing that a sense of thankfulness is a great source of healing and inspiration,
We express gratitude for the love,
The support and the guidance that we received today.
These feelings of gratitude can create a sense of peace and contentment that will carry into our dreams.
So take one or two deep breaths now and remember to exhale slowly.
Breathing in and out in awareness.
Breathing in with gratitude for today.
Breathing out with hope for tomorrow.
Let's give ourselves another minute,
60 seconds for this breathing exercise.
Welcome back.
I hope this exercise has left you feeling fully relaxed and at ease.
May your heart be filled with gratitude.
May you awaken tomorrow with a renewed sense of purpose.
May you be surrounded by love all your days.
