In today's short meditation we will follow the practice of affirmations,
Speaking positive statements over ourselves and over our lives.
The affirmations we will speak will cover the eight practices in Buddhism which are excellent ways for living.
These are right action,
Right speech,
Right livelihood,
Right mindfulness,
Right effort,
Right concentration,
Right understanding and right intention.
These vows will frame our day so this would be great to practice first thing in the morning.
Really see them as vows,
As promises that you will endeavour to keep for this day and the practicing of these vows actually covers right intention so you are off to a good start.
Let's begin by getting comfortable and closing eyes if you so wish.
And breathe.
Allow the breath to settle.
Allow the body to relax.
Allow the mind to quieten.
And breathe.
And now allow these words to sink into your being,
Repeating them silently to yourself if you wish or just listening to them and hearing them as though they were your very own words.
I vow to be grateful for this day,
This gift of life.
And to be grateful for the miracle of my breath.
Just for today I will choose carefully my words and will only speak words of life to and about others.
Just for today I will not react badly.
Just for today I will take time to stop and look at something in nature and admire its beauty.
Just for today I choose to see things from another person's perspective rather than my own.
Just for today I give my full and joyful effort to everything I do.
Just for today I will show gratitude and appreciation to every person in my life,
From work colleagues to family members to each person in the cafeteria or shop that I go to.
Just for today I choose to be kind to a stranger.
Just for today I choose to speak kind words to and about myself.
I show myself compassion and gentleness.
Just for today I choose to forgive.
Just for today I choose to be wise with my money.
Just for today I choose to walk more.
Just for today I make healthy choices because I am choosing to take care of my body.
Just for today I choose to stop for at least 30 seconds and look at the sky.
Just for today I choose to smile as many times as I remember.
You could practice these every day if you wish.
Notice how your life changes and how you feel after just one week.
Thank you.
