One of the practices that we've learned today is a practice of gratitude.
A mindfulness practice of appreciating the things in our lives or the things in our world that bring a sense of joy and happiness.
This can help us to calm the body and the mind by focusing on that which is good or pleasurable that can help tell the body to relax,
To soften.
That for now,
For this evening,
Everything will be okay.
So to start this practice,
I'd like to invite you to be in any posture you like and to bring forth a thought of something that you're grateful for,
Something that you really truly appreciate.
Maybe it's a person in your life.
Maybe it was the weather today or a pet or an animal that you love.
Maybe it's the fact that you're alive.
Bringing awareness to those things that we're grateful for,
The little things that we appreciate.
Perhaps you have soft sheets on your bed.
Maybe you appreciate how quiet the room is where you are right now.
Maybe you appreciate that you have this time for yourself to relax,
To wind down,
To be able to find comfort in this moment with feelings of appreciation,
Warmth,
Safety,
And feelings of ease in the body.
Appreciating each breath,
Each inhale,
And each exhale,
This breath that keeps us alive.
Relaxing the belly with each breath,
Each beautiful breath.
Feeling thankful for this moment of ease and comfort and safety.
As we breathe and relax the body,
Feeling comfortable in our body,
Feeling appreciation for this moment of ease and well-being,
Letting go of any tightness,
And just inviting a sense of warm appreciation,
Of kind awareness of our breath and our body.
