Hello,
My name is Lucy Chan and this is a contemplation on impermanence and death.
It is ideally listened to in a quiet spot in nature,
Somewhere you feel safe and where you won't be disturbed and also somewhere you would feel comfortable firstly sitting on the ground and later lying flat on the ground.
So choosing a spot and finding a comfortable seated position on the ground with your eyes open casting a soft gaze on the landscape in front of you.
Noticing the points of contact with the body and the earth.
Perhaps having a sense of grounding,
Of arriving.
Perhaps taking a deep full breath in and when releasing the breath feeling yourself sink a little bit deeper into the earth.
Being gently held by the ground and earth.
So as you look out to the landscape in front of you,
Does it appear unchanging,
Solid,
Removable or can you tune in to the true nature of things,
The true nature of life?
Can you see that the leaves on the trees will one day fall and as the seasons change new life will blossom,
Buds and leaves beginning anew?
Can you see that the clouds in the sky will eventually pass through and one day will become a part of us?
Perhaps a drop of rain will one day be transformed into a tear of grief or joy.
Every day the earth tilts allowing the sun to rise giving us a new day,
A new beginning,
A new start.
Can this fire from the changing sun be honoured by our fires within?
Perhaps you can ask yourself,
What does it mean for me to be alive right now?
As you sit here on the earth you can feel it gently holding and supporting you.
Can you sense the solidity of the earth reflected in the solidity of your body?
As one day your body will return to nourish the very same earth that once sustained you.
And so I would now like to invite you to close your eyes and as you are sat here start leaning back,
Leaning back so that eventually you are lying flat on the ground.
And as you lie back you can imagine time passing,
Time has passed to the unknown point where you are now lying on your death bed.
Visualise yourself on your death bed,
Peaceful and content.
And with this image in your mind you are now going to take yourself as you are today into the future to visit yourself on your death bed.
You can cherish this limited time with your future self,
If it feels right you can hold your hand tenderly.
Use this time now to thank your future self for the full life they have given you.
Feel free to speak your thanks to them in your mind.
You can express your gratitude for all the gifts of life you have been lucky enough to touch and receive during your time alive.
Using this time now to thank your future self.
You can also give thanks to your body lying there which has been your loyal home and has allowed you to experience life the best way it knew how.
So using this time to give thanks to your body.
And now you can ask your future self for any wisdom they may have for you,
If there is anything important for you to look towards during your lifetime.
Ask your future self these questions.
What really is important to do with this one precious human life?
And as they look kindly into your eyes,
Listen intently to what they have to share with you.
Once they have finished sharing,
You can give them your gratitude once again and say your tender goodbye whilst allowing this image to gently leave your mind.
Now gently bringing your attention back into your body.
Noticing the points of contact with the body and the ground.
Once again taking in a full deep breath.
Touching in to the aliveness of the breath.
And when you feel ready,
Gently opening your eyes.
And now you can ask your future self these questions.
