We don't stop playing because we grow old.
We grow old because we stop playing.
Benjamin Franklin Welcome to the Aging Blissfully Meditation with your teacher Ipek Williamson.
When you're ready,
Get comfortable wherever you are and please gently close your eyes.
Take a few nice deep breaths,
Bringing your awareness fully to the present moment.
Let go of any busy thoughts,
Preventing you from tapping into your inner essence.
Now I invite you to take a moment to appreciate the incredible vessel that is your body.
Picture it as a loyal companion on the journey of life,
A trusted friend that carried you through every experience,
Every joy and every challenge.
Give yourself a hug and show your appreciation to your gorgeous body and gently move from one side to the other,
Cradling it in your arms.
Now bring back your awareness to your breath.
Feel the rhythm of your inhales and exhales that are the testament to the vitality within you.
And as you breathe,
Imagine a soft glow emanating from your core,
A radiant energy that extends to every limb,
Every organ,
Every bone,
Every muscle and every cell.
With each breath,
Express your gratitude for the miraculous functions of your body.
Feel the beating of your heart like a steady drum that has played the soundtrack of your existence.
Acknowledge the strength in your muscles,
The flexibility in your joints and the resilience in your bones.
This time,
Gently move your focus to your senses.
Reflect on the intricate web of nerves that allows you to touch,
Taste,
See,
Hear and smell the world around you.
Each sensation is a gift,
A reminder of the richness of your human experience.
Love and cherish them all.
And your gratitude to the scars,
Wrinkles and imperfections that tell the story of a life well lived.
Because these marks are not flaws,
But badges of honour,
Symbols of resilience and the courage to face both the beautiful and challenging moments.
Take a moment to send thoughts of love and appreciation to each part of your body.
Envision a cascade of warmth and gratitude like a gentle stream of golden light flowing through every cell.
Feel the deep connection between your mind and body.
A harmonious partnership that has carried you through every chapter of your unique journey.
As you continue to breathe deeply,
Let the feeling of gratitude fill your entire being.
You are a masterpiece of existence,
A living testament to the wonders of life.
Imagine stepping into a library filled with the stories of cultures that celebrate the beauty of ageing.
Picture the shelves lined with wisdom from around the world.
Take a moment to pick up a book,
Open its pages and absorb the richness of these cultural insights.
Or feel the presence of a supportive community around you.
Imagine sitting with friends of all ages,
Sharing stories,
Laughter and the wisdom of experiences.
Each person contributing to the vibrant tapestry of life.
Now turn your attention inward and once again embrace yourself with love and acceptance.
Feel the warmth of self-compassion filling your being.
You are a unique and valuable part of this universe.
As we transition from this meditation back to the present moment,
Bring with you the warmth of gratitude and the wisdom that comes with graceful maturing.
Remember,
The journey of maturation is ongoing,
A continuous evolution that unfolds with each passing moment.
So embrace the lessons learned,
The stories shared and the love that surrounds you.
You are a mosaic of growth and each day is an opportunity to add new threads to the canvas of your life.
Carry the sense of appreciation for the beauty of ageing gracefully,
For the richness of a life well lived.
Whether you are in the dawn of your maturation or basking in the glow of accumulated wisdom,
Know that each phase has its unique magic.
As you gradually open your eyes,
Bring this mindfulness into the world around you.
You hold the power to infuse each moment with the wisdom and beauty that comes with time.
May your journey be filled with moments of joy,
Self-discovery and an abundance of love.
As C.
S.
Lewis says,
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
From my heart to yours,
With all my love and gratitude.
Namaste.
