Welcome to this Advent Meditation.
My name is Joy and I'll be your guide.
This week we focus on joy.
As this is a relaxation meditation,
If you're driving or participating in a task where you must be awake and alert,
Please download and save for later.
As we get started,
I invite you to find a comfortable position,
Either seated or lying down.
Position any items such as a blanket or an eye pillow to make your meditation more enjoyable.
Take a moment as you settle to soften the body and we will begin by focusing on the breath.
The cool inhale through your nose and the warm exhale through your mouth.
Begin to close your eyes if that feels comfortable.
As we turn the gaze inward,
Breathe deeply.
Breathe into the belly.
Allow the body to expand.
As you release the breath,
Allow the body to soften just a little deeper.
On the next inhale,
Accept the breath.
As you release,
Find that natural exhale.
Each inhale brings in more peace and each exhale releases just a little more tension.
Allow the body to feel grounded and feel safe and secure.
As you find softness in your body,
Allow your heart and mind to open to the joy of this Advent season.
Christmas is a time of celebration,
A time to be filled with joy.
So invite and welcome this joy into your body,
Mind and spirit.
Perhaps this feeling of joy for you is warmth that radiates through your body.
Perhaps it's a glow in your heart and belly.
Perhaps it flows to your fingers and toes as it lightens and lifts you.
This joy we feel is not superficial but is deeply embedded in our heart,
Our body and our mind.
Happiness may come and go but the joy of the Lord is with us always.
So rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again,
Rejoice.
The rose is a symbol of and beauty and joy.
I invite you to bring your focus to visualize on a perfect pink rose.
Turn the rose in your hand.
Observe it from all angles.
This mystic rose has no thorns.
Notice the petals,
The velvety texture,
The perfect formation.
Notice the beautiful color,
Whether a light pink or a more vivid shade.
Notice the beauty.
Inhale the floral scent.
Breathe in the fragrance.
Take a moment of gratitude for this beautiful flower,
For the single rose,
For a bouquet of pink perfect roses,
For a field filled brimming with flowers.
Watching them sway in the movement of the breeze.
The fragrance drifting and encircling you.
Breathing it in just a little deeper.
Filling the body with the essence it brings.
Visualize this perfect rose as it lies on your chest.
Imagine the rose full of joy melting into your heart,
Infusing your body,
Allowing that perfect joy to fill your body,
Down to your toes,
Through your belly,
Down to your fingertips,
Up to the top of your head.
Allow a smile to lift the corners of your mouth.
Feel the lightness in your body.
Notice on the inhale as the heart lifts and is full.
Observe your mind,
Your thoughts,
Through this lens of joy,
The feeling of abundance it brings,
When the worry is released and replaced with this everlasting joy.
Breathe deeply.
Welcome a freshness to circulate through your body and release any last bits of tension.
Let them go and allow the joy of the season to fill those places.
Those places freed from worry and tension.
Those places that were filled with despair or stress.
Those places that were filled with loneliness or overwhelm.
When you are ready to complete this practice,
Welcome joy into every part of your day,
Wherever you are,
Whomever you're with,
Whatever you're doing,
No matter the circumstance.
Allow the body to inhale and exhale.
Begin to acclimate back into your surroundings.
Begin to notice the sounds around you.
Allow the body to make small movements all while feeling grounded,
Safe,
Secure,
And at ease.
When you are ready,
Taking your own time,
Begin to flutter your eyes open,
Welcoming in the light,
Returning to an alert state of wakefulness.
Thank you for joining me today for this Advent Meditation on joy.
I wish you peace and blessings and a Merry Christmas.
