This is a guided meditation by Imani Nicole.
Find a comfortable seat or take a walking meditation.
And if you are seated or laying down and you are safe and supported to do so,
Gently covering your eyes with an eye pillow or fluttering your eyes closed.
Taking a deep breath,
Inhaling into the nose,
Guiding your breath into your belly,
Expanding the chest and a slow full exhale out of the mouth.
Taking another deep breath in through the nose and slowly exhaling out of the mouth,
Releasing your shoulders down your spine,
Finding length from your tailbone to the top of your head.
And one more deep breath into the nose,
Exhaling slowly out of the mouth,
Releasing the tension in your face,
The tongue from the roof of your mouth,
Any tension or resistance that you are feeling.
And now taking slow deep breaths in and out through the nose.
Often when we are faced with things that are unfamiliar or new ways of thinking or doing,
We are met sometimes with resistance.
Sometimes newness can be uncomfortable.
It can be challenging.
But there is an important component of growing and learning and that is to be receptive.
So during this time of meditation,
I invite you to connect with the sensations and the feelings that become present when you consider receptivity.
Taking a few deep breaths here in and out through the nose.
What does it feel like to have a new idea or way of doing something presented to you?
What does it feel like?
What sensations or emotions come up when you are confronted by a person who does not share the same ideas as you?
You may be reminded of discomfort,
Frustration or tension or that you feel a sense of peace or comfort.
Whatever it is that you may feel or see in this moment,
Know that it is good and okay.
Your growth and your learning requires understanding and acceptance of you as you are in this moment.
And so I encourage you to find acceptance in this moment whether you have felt resistance or calm.
Inhale deeply.
Exhale completely.
And as I move through these next few words and phrases,
I invite you to repeat them aloud,
Say them in your head or simply receive.
I am receptive.
I am open to new ideas.
I am willing to try different methods and I consider alternate viewpoints.
I welcome intellectual stimulation.
I am receptive.
You are receptive.
Taking a few more rounds of breath here on your own,
Breathing in that receptivity into your body,
Releasing any resistance,
Creating space with each breath for new understanding,
For growth and for learning.
Beginning to bring yourself back into your senses,
Into your body,
Into your mind,
Into this present moment.
Gently opening your eyes,
Wriggling your toes and your fingers and taking a deep breath in through the nose and exhaling out through the mouth.
Thank you for joining me for this guided meditation.
I'm Emani Nicole.
Be well.
