What does it mean to let go?
We often hear the term let go.
Sometimes we're not even sure what it is we're trying to let go of.
And sometimes it's hard to find a word for the feeling.
Maybe it's something that felt particularly heavy as far as relationships or work.
Maybe it's a comment that was made that has lived rent free in your mind since as far back as you can remember.
Maybe it's something physical like tension in the jaw or the shoulders.
Maybe it's to let go of expectations.
I think we struggle with letting go in today's world because we're afraid to let go of control.
There's so much in the world right now that we cannot control but when we tighten our grip on everything we forget how to be movable and how to be present.
So I think this meditation might help us be guided towards a safe and centred place.
Let go of expectations and perhaps hold presence with a softer embrace.
We'll begin with some breath,
Move through a short body scan and a brief visualisation to foster a deep sense of inner calm.
Together we'll find steadiness,
One breath at a time.
Find a comfortable resting position and allow your body to sink into the earth's embrace.
Once the body has settled,
Begin to connect with your breath.
Feel the gentle rhythm of your inhale and exhale.
As the breath moves in,
Imagine drawing in a soft warm light of comfort and care.
As the breath moves out,
Free your body of any tension or heaviness as if the breath itself can carry it away.
Feel the breath create space within you,
Even if just a little,
And let it remind you that even in uncertainty there is still movement,
Still life.
Soften the space at the crown of your head,
Your forehead.
Continue down your neck and shoulders.
Feel them ease under the weight of your breath.
Now travel down your arms and your hands.
Notice the texture of your hands,
If they feel warm or sticky or heavy,
Simply notice.
Awareness now to your chest and heart space.
The rise and fall as your breath touches this tender area.
Hips,
Legs and feet melt away beneath you.
The body structure becoming less involved in the breath.
Now picture yourself standing at the edge of a calm bed of water.
The air is soft and cool against your skin as the breeze tenderly brushes across your face.
As you stand here,
Imagine the water reflecting everything you're carrying.
The water doesn't judge or resist,
It simply holds.
Visualize taking a step into this body of water.
The water is warm and gentle with you.
Each step you take feels like the earth is cradling you in her care.
The water touches your hips and you turn to allow yourself to float,
Completely supported by this vast,
Endless body of water.
Feel the water carry the heaviness you've been holding,
Dispersing it across its surface.
It's ok to let go of the heaviness on your chest,
The tension in your brow line,
The anger on your heart.
Begin to bring your awareness back to your breath and into the sensations of your resting body.
Place your dominant hand to your heart and the other hand to your tummy.
Know that even as you move away from this meditation,
A calm sea remains within you,
A place you can visit whenever you need.
Take a slow deep breath in,
Exhale fully,
Begin to gently wake up the body,
Slowly open your eyes and let the light and space around you return gently.
