Please take all the time that you need to set up your surroundings and to find a safe and comfortable position.
Gently closing down your eyes,
Bringing your awareness inwards.
Bring yourself into this space by gently deepening your breath.
Inhale through your nose,
Feel your belly rise,
Exhale slowly,
Deeply and completely.
Allow the rate of your breathing to gradually extend and slow down with no effort as your body starts to relax.
Imagine your body being surrounded by a warm,
Glowing,
Soothing light that begins at the crown of your head and slowly,
Gradually starts to spread downwards.
Feel it melt away any tightness in your forehead and release any tension in your eyes,
Your temples and your jaw.
Allow the gentle warmth to trickle down your neck and into your shoulders,
Making them feel light and free.
Bring your arms to your fingertips,
Relaxing and letting go.
Light glows around your chest and your back,
Bringing relaxation with every heartbeat.
Your stomach softens,
Your spine melts,
Releasing and dissolving any worries,
Feeling completely at ease.
This comforting warmth now wraps around your hips,
Your thighs and your knees,
Feeling gratitude for carrying you along the path that you walk.
Finally,
The soothing and nurturing light travels down to your calves,
Your ankles and your feet,
Feeling safe,
Anchored and grounded to the earth below.
Your whole body is now surrounded and illuminated with this warm,
Soothing,
Calming light.
Every single part of you feeling nurtured,
Peaceful and relaxed.
Your body,
In all of its unique sizes,
Shapes,
Contours and textures,
Tells a story.
Each and every mark,
Each curve and each sensation is a chapter of your life,
Reflecting experiences,
Challenges,
Change,
Growth and love.
Gently move your focus to the weight of your body on your mat and the space that it occupies.
This body has been with you from your very first breath and will be with you until your very last.
It's the longest and most important relationship you will ever have,
And it's your most loyal companion,
Bearing witness to every moment of your existence.
Take a moment to think about the endless tasks that your body constantly performs for you,
Most without even a conscious thought.
The rhythmic beating of your heart,
Your internal systems working daily miracles to sustain the protective embrace of your skin,
Shielding you from external elements.
But your body is more than just a functional engine.
It holds all the experiences of your life.
There may even be parts of your body that you've wished looked or felt different.
And whilst it's natural to have these feelings,
We're going to take a small step towards embracing them,
Not as flaws,
But as the perfectly imperfect,
Unique features that make you,
You.
Breathe deeply and with each breath,
Send waves of love and acceptance to every part of your body.
Whisper to yourself,
I honor my body.
Every part of me has purpose and value.
I deserve to be loved and accepted exactly as I am.
Your body is a rare treasure,
A wonder to behold,
A living,
Breathing,
Working miracle in its own right.
I invite you to accept,
To love and to cherish it.
Not for what you or others think that it should be,
But for the unique masterpiece and incredible work of art that it truly is.
Moving forwards,
Allow these waves of love,
Acceptance and gratitude to be your compass.
Guiding you through any moments of doubt or insecurity.
And as I hold space for you to enjoy stillness,
Please take the time to remember that you are enough and you are perfect exactly as you are.
Slowly bring awareness back to your breath.
Slowly bring awareness back to your body.
Take your time to introduce some small movements to your fingers and to your toes.
And only when you are ready,
And only when it feels right for you,
Slowly open your eyes.
