Welcome.
The following is a brief body prayer with just four words and four gestures.
It can be done standing up or seated,
And it's a great way to pause and ground yourself and come to a place of deep acceptance at any moment during the day when you might need that.
It's based on the writings of Juliana Norwich,
Who was an English mystic in the 14th century.
She lived through the time of the bubonic plague and saw a lot of death and disruption around her and in her own life,
And nonetheless came to a place of deep acceptance.
So let's get started.
I'm going to first explain each gesture and the word that goes with that gesture,
And then I'm going to go through again with just a quick reminder of the gesture and a repeat of the word.
And in the third time,
I will just say the word and you can do the gesture.
And if you'd like to continue doing the gestures in silence after this recording has ended,
Just let your body do what it needs to do.
Let's get started.
Take a deep breath and feel yourself grounded.
If you're standing,
Really feel your feet on the ground.
If you're seated,
Really relax into your seat.
On your next exhalation,
Relax just a little more deeply into this present moment.
For the first gesture,
Cup your hands in front of you together about waist high in a gesture of receiving.
And the word is await.
Await the divine presence.
Await the divine presence.
Await without expectation.
Await to receive this present moment just as you are,
Just as it is.
The second gesture,
Raise your hands above your head,
Stretch high,
Form something like a chalice above you that is open to receive.
And the word is allow.
Allow yourself to be filled.
Allow the divine presence to be with you and in you.
Again,
Without expectations of what that looks like or feels like.
Just allow what is.
For the third gesture,
Bring your hands to your heart and cup them over your heart.
The word is accept.
Accept as a gift whatever comes or doesn't come.
Accept this present moment as it is.
Accept yourself as you are.
Accept what is given.
Accept.
And the fourth gesture,
Open your palms up and extend them out and around you in a gesture of welcome.
And the word is attend.
Attend to this present moment.
Attend to what you feel called to.
Attend.
And now again,
The words and the gestures.
The first gesture,
Cup your hands waist high.
Await.
Raise your hands over your head.
Allow.
Bring what you have allowed into your heart.
Accept.
Open your palms to the world.
Attend.
Attend.
And finally,
Just the words.
You can do the gestures along.
Await.
Allow.
Accept.
Attend.
May your day be filled with peace.
