Welcome to your moment of relaxation at the close of your day.
I invite you to find a comfortable position,
Either lying down or seated.
And if you choose,
You may close your eyes.
You may also visualize the calm imagery of an evening sky as I guide you through this meditation.
If distracting thoughts arise at any time.
It is okay to acknowledge them.
And then gently guide your focus back to the meditation.
Now let's begin.
Take a deep breath in,
Allowing the air to slowly fill your lungs.
As you exhale,
Imagine the weight of the day softening and releasing,
Your body settling into the earth beneath you.
Breathe deeply to a count of four.
Hold gently for a few moments.
And then exhale slowly to the count of six.
Take two more rounds of this mindful breathing.
With each breath,
Feel yourself sink more fully into a peaceful evening underneath a blanket of stars.
When you are ready,
Allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm.
As you breathe naturally,
Imagine yourself lying on soft grass beneath a vast starlit sky.
Feel your body gently supported by the earth below you.
Grounding you deeply,
Connected to the soil,
The flowers.
The roots of nearby trees.
Now become aware of the quiet strength of the land beneath.
Set your intention for rest in presence.
And allow that intention to hold you just as the earth holds and supports your body in this moment.
Above you,
The night sky is clear and wide.
Endless numbers of stars sparkle against a deep backdrop.
Each one glowing steadily in the quiet of the evening.
As you gaze upward.
Sense the vastness of the universe and know that you are part of it.
Your life and your presence are meaningful and have purpose.
You are here.
You matter.
Continue to breathe as you reach down and gently touch the cool grass beside you.
Feel the soft bristles between your fingers grounding you further into this moment.
With each slow breath.
Allow the stars above to guide your awareness.
You may choose to silently name people,
Places,
Or moments for which you feel gratitude.
You can offer these thoughts to each sprinkling star.
Or if you prefer.
Allow each star to hold a dream.
A hope or an intention you would like to nourish.
A gentle warm breeze moves across your skin and wraps you in comfort on this peaceful evening.
The crescent moon hangs softly in the sky.
Leaving room for your stars to shine.
In the distance,
Crickets chirp.
Nearby,
Wet leaves rustle,
Exposing a small frog sitting quietly.
You perceive an owl watching from a branch above.
A spirit animal in a calm and steady presence protecting you on this night.
Remain here for a while,
Resting beneath the stars.
There is nowhere else you need to be,
Nothing else you need to do.
This moment is enough.
You are here.
You are present.
You are enough.
With each breath.
Feel yourself becoming more relaxed.
More peaceful.
And deeply connected to the world around you.
And with the knowledge that the universe is something you also hold within.
Take one more slow,
Deep breath,
Inhaling the cool night air and the stillness of your evening sky.
As you exhale,
Release any remaining tension.
Allowing yourself to rest fully in this calm.
When you are ready,
Gently return to the present moment.
You may open your eyes if they were closed.
Carrying the peace of this star-filled evening with you into the next part of your night.
I'm Melissa Lombardo.
And I hope this evening sky meditation has offered you a sense of relaxing calm.
Thank you for your presence and I wish you a restorative rest.
