Settle into a position where you feel both comfortable and alert.
This could be a seated position,
Perhaps you're lying down,
Or maybe you're propped up on a wall or a pillow.
Use whatever shape works for you today.
This is your time.
When you're settled in,
Close your eyes or soften your gaze,
Taking this journey inward.
Imagine a pillar of white light descending from the heavens,
Shining on you and bringing a complete sense of peace and relaxation to your physical,
Emotional,
And mental cells.
Take a deep breath in and on the exhale,
Let the shoulders melt away from the ears as you imagine that light traveling through your head,
Through your shoulders,
Down your arms,
Into your hands.
As that light moves into your chest and back,
Feel the tension release.
Allow the stomach to settle.
Imagine the light spreading into your hips,
Thighs,
Calves,
Ankles,
All the way to your toes,
Removing all tension along the way.
Take a moment to enjoy this feeling of peace and stillness.
Imagine that you're walking through an ancient forest of tall oak trees on a warm summer morning.
It's peaceful here and you've come to this place to connect with nature and to reflect.
The air carries the comforting scent of last night's rain and the quiet presence of the trees around you,
Making you feel watched over and safe.
The soft earth cushions your steps and the path is paved with a thick layer of oak leaves and acorn husk from years past.
Here and there,
Mushrooms and small bright flowers poke their way through.
Squirrels are busy scampering up and down the rough tree bark and jays are broadcasting from the canopy high above.
Soon you come upon a clearing with tall meadow grass and a scattering of rocks and a few fallen trees.
One of those downed trees offers a fine place to rest and view the meadow.
Nature is quiet here,
Though very much alive,
And it inspires a feeling of peaceful enchantment.
Take a moment to experience this feeling of safety and peace.
Release this visualization,
But hold on to the peacefulness and stillness you've cultivated through this mindfulness practice.
This type of practice helps us slow down the thoughts in the mind,
Which makes it easier to tap into our deeper selves.
Let's go deeper by considering a question that is inspired by the yogic concept of tapas,
Or self-discipline.
While discipline can come off as a heavy word,
It is really just committing to becoming the highest version of yourself.
You are undergoing a deep transformation,
Stepping outside of your comfort zone,
Gaining strength and moving through fear.
It's time to consider what you are committed to,
What you need to commit to,
And whether your routines are serving you and whether you're showing up for yourself fully.
Begin to turn your focus inward and ask yourself,
Where do I need discipline?
Get with this question without trying to analyze or think,
Just allowing any answers to come up from deep within.
Where do I need discipline?
Where do I need discipline?
Where do I need discipline?
As you practice bypassing the thoughts and listening to your deeper wisdom,
You may notice that you don't always hear words.
You might have gotten images,
Impressions,
Random thoughts or memories.
Anything that came up could have meaning.
Take the next few breaths to process what came up for you and consider if you want to act on anything that you learned.
Listen to the following affirmation and repeat it to yourself,
Letting it resonate deep within.
I am disciplined and determined to accomplish my goals.
I am disciplined and determined to accomplish my goals.
As we reach the end of today's practice,
Bring your palms together at heart center,
Slightly bowing your head.
Take a moment to reflect on this experience.
Were you able to connect with your inner wisdom?
Did you practice listening and being open?
Allowing this experience and any insights you have gained to stay with 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 movement that it needs.
