Settle in to a comfortable but alert position.
Let your body guide you to the right shape for you today.
Do not worry about the images you have in your mind about how you should sit while meditating.
And don't think you have to sit the way you have always sat.
Listen to your body and choose a shape that works for you today.
This could be a seated position,
Or you could be lying down or propped up on a wall or a pillow.
Or maybe you're even out walking.
Find yourself honoring your body's request today.
Take a deep breath in through the nose,
Filling up your belly,
And on the exhale,
Open your mouth and let it out.
Feel your shoulders drop away from your ears as you empty out all the air from your stomach.
Take a second deep breath in,
This time filling up your belly and lungs,
Holding at the top,
Then open mouth,
Let it out.
Take a third deep breath in,
This time make sure it's the fullest breath you've taken,
Filling up belly,
Lungs,
Chest,
Holding at the top,
Then open mouth,
Let all the air drop out.
Now keeping the lips sealed,
Start to breathe in through the nose and out through the nose.
Envision yourself on a beach on a warm day.
Feel the sun warming your face and body.
Feel the sand beneath your feet.
As you look around,
Notice you're all alone on this beach.
Spend some time fully visualizing the beauty of where you're at.
Envision palm trees surrounding the beach.
Notice the exotic birds and colored flowers.
And as you look around,
You notice a path leading into the heart of this island.
Through those palm trees and bright flowers,
And you begin to follow the path as you continue to notice the natural beauty of this island.
You come upon a clearing with an inviting pull.
It seems to be calling you and you move towards it,
Slipping off your sandals and stepping into the waters.
With each step you take into the pool,
You feel any tension draining away and you embrace a feeling of peace and calm.
Staying in the pool,
You find a comfortable position.
Maybe you're resting on a rock you found in the water.
Or maybe you allow yourself to float on your back,
Staring up at a bright blue sky.
Whatever you find,
Allow yourself to rest here and savor the beauty and serenity of this island.
You you Hold on to the serenity and stillness that you've cultivated through this visualization practice This practice helps us quiet the mind Which makes it easier to tap into our deepest selves?
Now that you've cultivated 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 astrological concept of the six-part concept of the sixth house the sixth house Represents your daily habits your work environment your pets Your mind body connection and how you maintain your health the sixth house may prompt you to consider whether your life is sustainable as You assess the time resources love care and sweat that you put into your life are You receiving as much as you're putting in Do your inputs and outputs match?
Turn your focus inward as you consider am I living a sustainable life Sit with this question without trying to analyze or think and just allow any answers to come up from deep within Am I living a sustainable life?
You You As You practice deep listening you may notice that your inner wisdom doesn't always use words Maybe you received images impressions thoughts or memories Anything that came up could have meaning Take a 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 Repeat it to yourself whether you feel it's true or not and let it resonate deep within Every day I achieve greater balance between my thoughts and actions Every day I receive greater balance between my thoughts and actions 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 this experience Were you able to slow down your thoughts?
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 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 movement that it needs
