Welcome to this short meditation in which I take you on a journey of stillness along a secluded beach.
So when you're ready,
Make yourself comfortable,
Relaxing into the chair or the mass,
Wherever you are most comfortable.
Just finding that space for yourself now.
And taking a long,
Slow,
Deep breath in,
Relax the body,
Relax the heart and relax the mind.
Watch the breath as it enters and leaves the body.
And notice how you feel as the breath begins to slow down.
Focus on the breath.
Try to empty the mind,
Knowing that this moment is all there is.
Become aware of the body relaxing more and more.
Feel the mind,
The heart and the body connecting here in this present moment.
Watch the body relax with each breath you take.
Now I'd like you to imagine that you are walking along a sandy pathway towards a beach.
The sand dunes are so high that they're hiding the seashore.
The path meanders in and out.
Wildflowers are all around and a soft breeze brushes your skin.
After a while you happen upon a clearing and from this space you are able to see the sea.
The sea is in the distance as the tide is out.
Rock pools are scattered all over the beach and the sand is clean and golden in the sunshine.
You are alone on this beach.
You walk along until you find a sheltered spot among the sand dunes.
Here you can sit and watch the changing sea.
The high dunes and the grassy bank shield you from the breeze.
In this quiet,
Peaceful,
Still spot you just sit back and relax.
The colour of the sand is golden and you allow your fingers to glide through the coarse texture.
With each movement of your fingers you are mindful of relaxation gently flowing through your body.
There is nothing to disturb your peace and relaxation.
The movement of the tide gently stirs the rock pools.
The steady sound of the waves is comforting.
The regular movement of the waves brings a steady rhythm to your own breathing and you find yourself drifting,
Melting into a dream.
Gliding and drifting you let go,
You surrender.
In this dream you can run,
You can dance,
Skip,
You are full of energy,
Full of health and free from pain.
At the water's edge the soft waves wash over your bare feet and ankles.
You stroll along the water's edge without a care in the world.
The beach is empty so you decide to skip along the water's edge like a child.
Jumping over a small wave,
A smile and then a giggle turns into laughter.
How long ago it was since you felt like this?
How easy it feels to just be?
Dancing along now you dare the waves to brush your knees.
The sand is soft beneath your feet.
Connecting to the ocean you feel the energy and the laughter awaken your inner childlike innocence.
You celebrate the fact you are alive and well.
How well you feel,
No aches or pains,
Just a warm glow of happiness sweeping over you like a wave.
The gentle breeze awakens you and you stir and look around.
All is quiet,
All is still,
All is well.
You feel so much lighter,
You feel uplifted and at peace with the world.
Prepare now to leave the beach as you walk back along the sandy pathway that led you there in the first place.
Allow the image of the beach as you walk back to fade from your mind.
The pathway and the ocean fade away as you take a long deep breath in.
Prepare to bring your awareness back into the room that you're in.
Notice any sounds.
Slowly bring awareness back into your body,
Moving fingers and moving toes.
Gently move your head from side to side.
Take another long slow deep breath in and when you are ready breathe out and open your eyes.
