So in meditation,
We practice just observing what's happening,
Whether that is thoughts,
Sensations,
External things like sounds.
And if we have a reaction to them,
We notice what that reaction is,
But then take a pause before we act on that.
And by I mean,
Meditation is called a practice for a reason,
Because when we're practicing non-reactivity,
Then that helps us to become less reactive in our day to day lives,
Which makes for a more peaceful way of being.
It doesn't mean our problems and challenges go away.
It just means that we relate to them differently.
So if you want,
You can set up a space with a candle or some incense,
Turn off any distractions,
And then when you're ready,
Get into a comfortable position.
If you want,
You can close your eyes,
Take some deep breaths.
I'm just feeling the ground beneath you,
Whether that's directly through the feet and legs,
Or indirectly through chair,
Sofa,
Bed,
Whatever is supporting your body.
I'm just feeling those points of contact with the ground.
And as you focus your awareness on those touch points,
You may be aware of thoughts coming and going.
And if possible,
Just let the thoughts come and go while you keep your attention on your connection with the earth.
And if you do get distracted and you find that your mind wanders off,
Bring it back to the breath and the awareness of the support that's underneath you.
So we will continue to do this for the next 10 minutes or so.
And of course,
You can sit on for longer.
Every time you find that your mind has wandered off,
Gently,
Kindly,
Bring it back.
Because by grounding ourselves,
It helps us And if you notice any feelings or emotions come up,
Notice where you feel it in the body.
And if you notice where you feel it in the body,
And if possible,
Don't try and suppress them.
And if you notice any feelings or emotions come up,
Notice where you feel it in the body.
And the same for any other sensations,
Whether they are bodily sensations,
Or external ones like sounds.
If you notice a reaction,
That's a reaction to the body,
If you notice a reaction,
That's a moment of awareness.
And practice just being with whatever is present,
Without wanting it to be any different.
And it doesn't matter how many times your mind wanders off,
Gently bring it back to the current moment and your direct experience.
With whatever's arising,
And not trying to force anything that isn't there already.
What's current for you right now?
What's arising?
Get curious,
Without judging your experience.
And coming back to ground yourself,
And you may find that the mind naturally starts to quieten.
Just sitting,
Just being,
Nowhere else to go,
Nowhere else to be,
Right here,
Right now.
And now,
For the last few minutes of this meditation,
Let go of any effort.
Just sit,
Just be,
Allowing the benefits to be absorbed before you go about the rest of your day.
And then,
If you wish,
You can open your eyes,
Move your body a bit,
If you need to.
Staying connected with the ground,
And carrying that intention with you as you go about the rest of the day,
And the rest of the week,
And you can always take a pause any moment,
Or come back and do this meditation.
So thank you again for joining me today.
Take care,
Go well,
And lots of love.
