As you settle in for today's practice,
Find a shape that is comfortable but allows you to be alert.
Notice how your body feels.
Are your feet and legs relaxed?
Can you release any tension from your shoulders and hands?
Is your jaw unclenched?
Notice the space between the eyebrows and see if you can relax that area.
Take a deep breath in through your nose filling up the belly and on the exhale open your mouth and let it out.
Take a second deep breath in this time filling up your belly and lungs holding at the top and then open mouth.
Breathe it out.
Take a third deep breath in letting this be the fullest breath you've taken filling up your belly,
Your lungs,
Your chest,
Holding at the top and then open mouth let all the air out.
Now keep the lips sealed and start to breathe in through the nose and out through the nose.
Notice where you feel the movement of the breath the most.
Maybe it's in the belly or the chest.
Maybe you feel a little lift in your shoulders.
As you breathe in think to yourself inhale and as you breathe out think exhale.
We'll add a count to this exercise and we will include the tapping of the tip of the thumb to the tip of the rest of the fingers.
So start with your right hand think inhale as you breathe in exhale as you breathe out then tap the thumb to the index finger and count one.
Inhale exhale tap thumb to middle finger and count two.
Inhale exhale tap thumb to ring finger and count three.
Inhale exhale tap thumb to pinky finger and count four.
Repeat this on the left hand just going at your own pace.
Allow your hands to rest but hold on to your steady breath.
Imagine yourself in a park on a warm day.
Start to visualize this scene around you as you look up is the sky bright blue?
Are there any clouds drifting by?
Or perhaps you're noticing the colors of a sunrise or sunset in your sky.
As you look around can you see trees in your park?
Are there beautiful flowers planted?
Or perhaps you see a playground over in the corner.
Do you notice any activity?
Maybe there are some children playing or squirrels scampering up and down the trees.
Do you hear any sounds in your park?
Can you hear birds chirping or even the children playing joyfully in the background?
Does your park take shape in your imagination?
Take a relaxing walk around.
With each stop notice that you feel a little more relaxed and at peace than before.
The further you go the lighter you feel inside.
As you make your way further you become even calmer,
Happier and lighter still.
As you look around your park find an inviting place to sit.
It could be under the tree,
Perhaps it's a hammock stretched between two old trees,
Or maybe it's just a comfortable bench.
Whatever you find it's a great place to rest and relax.
Settle in and follow your breath simply enjoying the gentle rhythm of your breathing.
Settle in and follow your breath simply enjoying the gentle rhythm of your breathing.
Hold on to the peace and stillness you've cultivated through this visualization practice.
The practice helps us quiet the mind which makes it easier to tap into our deeper selves.
Now that you've created a little more space between your thoughts you can sit with a question to see if your inner wisdom will respond.
Today's deep listening question is inspired by the archetype the kiss.
Archetypes are key images,
Tendencies,
Personalities that tend to appear in every culture.
The kiss archetype represents a sense of merging together.
Moments that change us as we move past being a solitary being and move towards union and acceptance.
True intimacy requires bravery,
Vulnerability,
And surrender.
You may experience this sense of union with another person,
Maybe you hear a whisper,
Or perhaps you're graced by a divine being.
Turn your focus inward as you consider how can I open myself up to authentic relationships.
Sit with this question without trying to analyze or think just allowing any answers to come from deep within.
How can I open myself up to authentic relationships?
How can I open myself up to authentic relationships?
How can I open myself up to authentic relationships?
As you reflect on those people who are most important to your growth,
Consider what you can do to honor those relationships.
As you practice deep listening,
You may notice that your inner wisdom doesn't always use words.
You may have gotten images or impressions or even seemingly random thoughts.
Take a few breaths to process whatever came up for you and consider if you want to act on anything you've learned.
Listen to the following affirmation,
Then repeat it to yourself allowing it to resonate deep within.
The light within me sees the light within you.
As we reach the end of today's practice,
Bring the palms together at heart center,
Slightly bowing your head.
Take a moment to reflect on your experience.
Were you able to connect with your inner wisdom?
Did you practice listening and being open?
Allow the experience and any insight you may have gained to stay with you as you bring your awareness back to your physical surroundings.
Take your time and when you're ready,
Open your eyes and allow your body any gentle movement that it needs.
