These are the good times,
I know it doesn't always feel like it,
But these are the good times.
No matter what's going on,
There's always something to be grateful for.
Finding a comfortable position.
Feeling the weight of the body against the surface you're resting on.
Supported.
Loved.
Alive.
Resting.
Settling.
Settling.
Scanning around the body.
Slowly.
Acknowledging tightness and tension.
Letting go.
Letting go.
Noticing what you're holding on.
Putting the bags down.
Letting go.
Breathing.
These are the good times.
You're alive.
Breathing.
Connecting.
Aware.
Accepting.
Taking a moment.
Identifying things you're grateful for.
Small things you're grateful for.
Identifying.
Visualizing.
Someone positive.
Someone with whom you have an uncomplicated positive relationship.
Bringing them to life in your mind's eye.
Thanking them.
Thank you.
Connecting with your body.
Noticing the aliveness.
Considering your own measure of health.
Thanking your body.
Thank you.
Considering the contents of your fridge.
Considering the place you live.
Your shelter and nourishment.
Thanking your food.
And thanking your shelter.
Thank you.
Considering people that support you in life.
That provide essential services.
Thanking them.
Thank you.
These are the good times.
You are alive.
We are alive.
We don't have it all.
But our basic needs are met.
These are the good times.
You don't seek to cover over challenges,
Disappointments,
Ill health,
Relationship issues,
Stress.
No,
No,
No.
You,
We acknowledge the ups and downs of life.
We acknowledge the challenges.
And we still say,
These are the good times.
We still say thank you each and every day.
For the big things and the small.
We still connect in person and virtually.
You encourage me,
I encourage you,
We encourage each other.
To recognise that these are the good times.
And when we stumble.
And when we fall.
And when we're on our knees.
We help each other.
We support each other.
We remind each other that we are precious,
Unique,
One of a kind and deeply loved.
And we reflect on the small things that we're grateful for.
And we remind ourselves that we have life.
And that these are the good times.
And when we find ourselves,
As we all do,
Lamenting the chores,
Burdens and responsibilities associated with the daily grind.
When we think to ourselves,
I have to do this for this person.
And I have to do this for work.
And I have to go here and I have to pay that.
We remind ourselves that we can reframe things.
And we can say,
I get to.
Because one of the perks of being alive is that we get to do things.
We get to walk.
We get to help.
We get to assist.
We have the opportunity to and the resources to do things.
And that helps us.
And despite it all,
These are the good times.
May you be happy.
May you feel free,
Awake and free.
And may you live with ease.
Thank you so much for practicing with me today.
