Hello and welcome.
Today we'll be meditating on interbeing and the profound connections that tie us all together.
So let's start by finding ourselves in a comfortable position.
Now let's begin by closing our eyes and focusing on our breathing.
We'll start by taking one deep breath,
Holding it briefly,
And then letting it go.
Now simply let your breath flow at its own natural rhythm.
Rather than guiding our breath,
We will let our breath be our guide.
And as you breathe,
Allow the muscles in your jaw,
Your face,
Your shoulders,
And throughout your body to relax.
Just breathe and relax comfortably.
Now with our focus on our breathing,
We will begin our meditation on interbeing and connection.
We are profoundly connected with the world around us,
The people around us,
And even parts of the world that we're unfamiliar with,
And people whom we don't know.
Let's begin by simply noting our interconnectedness with the space around us and the surface that we rest on.
As we breathe the air,
It becomes part of us,
Filling our lungs,
Providing the oxygen necessary for our existence.
We could not exist without the air around us,
And in turn,
When we exhale,
We release carbon dioxide into the world,
And this exchange provides nourishment for plants,
Who in turn release more oxygen.
Through this insight,
We see that we are deeply connected,
Not only with the space around us,
But with all of life that participates in this exchange through our breath.
No one is truly alone and independent.
Everything relies on everything else for its existence.
The surface below us provides support and foundation for our bodies,
And below that,
The earth holds us and is our home,
Without which we could not exist.
Nor could we exist without the sun in the center of our solar system,
And the remaining planets rely on the sun for their continued motion,
Light,
And warmth.
And so it continues from the smallest atomic particle to the farthest reaches of the universe.
Everything exists in relation and in interbeing with everything else.
So we see we are never truly alone,
And our actions never occur in isolation.
Our actions,
Our behaviors,
And our habits have lasting,
Rippling impacts on ourselves,
On others,
And throughout the universe.
This means that when we live and act in mindfulness,
The positivity of our actions spreads outward,
Impacting others.
Exploring this concept of interbeing,
We acknowledge that we are deeply connected to our lineage,
Our ancestors,
And our parents.
We could not biologically exist without the long,
Winding genetic path that leads to us.
The genes of our parents and ancestors,
Even their cells,
Are quite literally a part of us,
As well as their experiences,
Achievements,
Fears,
Stories that are passed down through us and are recognizable in our behaviors.
They may provide reassurance and healing to us in times of need,
And we may also provide reassurance and healing to them as well,
As we understand that we are also connected with our future lineage,
The descendants that come after us.
And our lineage is not only connected to our biology,
We have a lineage of teachers who have guided us,
Friends whom we trust,
Our communities,
And our chosen families.
Meditating on the concept of interbeing,
We feel and connect with all of the forces,
People,
The entities and connections who have brought us to this unique moment in time and space.
And now,
You may gently begin to wiggle your toes and fingers,
Return your focus to your breathing,
Perhaps taking one last large breath to slowly and gently come back into the space.
When you are ready,
You may open your eyes.
Thank you for listening to this meditation.
I hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to sharing another with you soon.
Until next time,
Take care and bye for now.
