By focusing on the good in our life,
It's almost impossible to feel darkness.
It gives you hope for the bright side of things when life can otherwise feel impossible.
When you begin to focus on what you have rather than what you don't,
Today we are going to begin our restorative meditation practice by going inward.
And we are going to practice from a place of love,
Acceptance and gratefulness.
Finding a comfortable position,
Somewhere where you can relax and be in a wakeful posture.
Gently closing down your eyes,
Allowing the spine to be long.
Your body grounding down through your sit bones.
Your shoulders are soft.
Your chest is open.
Taking a few deep breaths relaxing fully.
And allowing any tension you may be holding to soften.
Inhale slowly.
Exhale slowly.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Then return your breath to normal.
Letting it be smooth and easy.
Giving yourself permission to be here and settling deeper into the body.
Bringing your awareness towards the top of your head.
Your eyebrows are smooth.
Your lips feel soft.
See if it's possible to feel a smile spreading across the corner of your lips.
Letting your breath become your focus.
Allowing it to slowly let you lift from your day and all you're doing.
Breathing slowly in.
Breathing slowly out.
Look for the quiet between your thoughts.
Just letting yourself gently sink into this state of calmness.
Bringing your attention here into your heart space.
Feel the love growing like sunshine here in your chest.
What is it you are grateful for?
Repeating these affirmations in your mind's eye.
I love the morning before the day opens.
I love the people in my life.
I love the safety of my house.
I love the lessons I have learnt.
I love white lilies that bloom in springtime.
I love ocean waves with sandy banks.
I love the peace that rises off the breath of animals.
I love feeling like I belong.
I love when someone says I love you.
Allow this capacity to accept gratitude,
To permeate throughout your body.
Allowing this space to hold you.
Your own being resting in this light.
Taking a moment to explore any sensations in your body.
Do you feel warmth?
A flood of light?
A softening?
A relief?
A sense of home?
Notice how your body feels and responds when you recount what you are grateful for in this life.
This medicinal quality of gratitude.
A simple act.
When you have forgotten to tend to your own being,
It is so easy to push through,
Be swept up in the busyness of the day.
I encourage you to stay awake to your purpose.
Use your instincts as a tool.
Simply pause.
Be grateful.
And find your way back here to this meditation if you ever lose your way.
As we come to the end of the meditation,
Just bringing all of your awareness now back into the room.
Feeling any sensations on your skin.
How strong your body is.
Your heart is soft.
There is a gentle smile on your lips,
Wiggling your toes,
Wiggling your fingers.
Whenever you're ready,
Just opening up your eyes.
