Let's take a moment to anchor into the present.
Sit or lie in a position that is comfortable,
Yet alert.
If it feels right,
You can close your eyes or soften your gaze,
Feeling into your body,
The support of your weight on your seat or cushion,
The steady pulsing of life in your legs and arms,
Toes and fingers,
The rise of the belly with the in-breath and the sigh of relaxation on the out-breath.
Imagine that you are about to give your internal system a retreat.
We're about to paddle a boat on a short journey into self-energy.
Before we do this,
I invite you to ask any parts of you that carry a burden of any kind to stay behind in a cabana on the shoreline while you have this experience.
These may be parts that carry grief,
Sadness or anxiety,
Or any other emotion that feels heavy to you.
They may be parts that carry beliefs about yourself or the world around you that may not be true,
Like,
I'm unworthy of love or I'm not good enough.
You can let these parts know that you won't be gone long and that you will return to be with them again.
You might show them a picture of what this cabana looks like and let them know that they'll be able to see you floating in the boat from the shoreline at any time.
They could even wave and you'll wave back to show them that you are okay.
Perhaps this is a brief retreat for them as well,
Where they can take a break and feel safe and have some fun.
When that feels complete,
Start making your way to the water.
You may notice that some parts are trailing behind you,
Still not quite ready to let go.
Take another moment to reassure and redirect them back to the cabana.
And if they really can't part with you,
Tell them they can come along,
But they must remain silent on the trip.
Now bring to mind the image of a peaceful lake on a sunny day.
Maybe this is a lake you know well,
Or one you have always wanted to visit,
Or maybe it's one you've created in your own mind.
Take a few breaths as you stand along the water's edge to take in the scenery and prepare for your journey.
Notice if you feel more spacious or calm energy.
If you do,
This will indicate that an aspect of you we call self-energy is emerging within you.
You might call it your internal witness or core essence or soul.
If you don't notice that happening,
That's okay too.
Simply allow whatever is there to be without judgment.
Now glancing in front of you,
You notice a small boat with two oars just for you.
You step in,
Sit down,
And slowly start rowing.
The lake is calm and the paddling is smooth.
The boat glides gently through the water and you can't help but notice the mesmerizing world that exists just below the glass surface.
Lakeweed forests gently swaying,
Fish swimming effortlessly between the branches.
Ahead there's a patch of lilies,
Shiny green pads dotted with delicate white flowers.
A frog croaks a cheerful greeting and then hops into the water,
Sending ripples outward.
Birds sing sweetly from the shoreline and a soft breeze rustles the dense branches of leaves on the nearby trees.
You reach the center of the lake and put down your oars.
You lean back in your seat,
Gazing up at a clear blue sky,
Taking a long breath in and exhaling into deep relaxation.
If you hear any voices calling to you from the shoreline,
Give them a reassuring wave so they know you haven't forgotten them.
They are safe and you'll be back soon.
As the boat gently rocks you,
See if you notice the trust and connection calling to you from the still deep water below and the divinely clear skies above.
Rest here in this safety for just a few moments,
Noticing any ease and expansion within your body.
If it feels right,
You might ask inside if there's anything you need to know right now.
If you can,
Let go of any attachments to specific answers.
If nothing comes to you,
That's okay.
Just being in the state of invocation is powerful and sacred.
This state may continue within you for some form long after this guided experience has ended.
Allow yourself to be in this place for just a little while longer.
Now it's time to head back to the shoreline.
You pick up the oars and slowly paddle your way back through the same tranquil waters that brought you here.
As you inch closer to the shoreline,
You can see your younger part safely waiting for your return.
Notice any thoughts or internal reactions that arise as you head back.
What was it like giving yourself this experience?
What are you bringing back with you?
You guide the boat onto the sand and step out to meet your younger parts.
Take a moment now to greet your parts and to thank them for waiting for you.
You can ask them about their experience while you were gone and share some of your experience with them.
You may also want to take a moment to hear any concerns they may have had about your absence and to reassure them that you will always return to them.
Slowly begin to bring your awareness back to your body,
Back to the room,
Back to the present moment.
As we prepare to end the meditation,
I invite you to tenderly hold any feelings of calm,
Clarity,
Connection and trust you may have felt while you were on the boat.
This is self-energy and it is always available to you.
It is your innate wisdom simply waiting for you to call upon it.
Namaste.
