Welcome to today's short practice.
This practice looks at the courage to want.
So I invite you to take some time here to get comfortable,
To find a posture either seated or lying down that blends dignity and rest,
Ease.
You can close your eyes if that feels okay or simply soften your gaze and take a deep slow inhale through your nose and then exhale gently through your mouth.
Again inhale deeply,
Exhale completely.
Let your body soften,
Let your breath find its natural rhythm and give yourself permission to arrive fully in this moment.
Bring to mind a should that has been living in your life.
Maybe I should work harder,
I should exercise more,
I should be different than I am.
Whisper it softly to yourself now,
I should.
Notice what happens in your body when you say it.
Is there tightness or pressure or heaviness?
Now imagine placing this should down,
Like setting down a heavy bag you've been carrying and feel the relief of no longer holding it.
Every should hides a deeper want and take the should that you just placed down and ask yourself gently,
What do I truly want beneath this?
Maybe beneath I should exercise is I want to feel alive in my body.
Maybe beneath I should work harder is I want to feel purposeful and creative.
So ask gently,
What do I truly want beneath this should?
Whisper softly,
I want and allow whatever arises to come without judgment.
Feel how your body shifts when you move from should into want.
Now place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly.
Breathe deeply into these centers.
Whisper inwardly,
I allow my wants,
I honor my desires.
Imagine your want as a small seed planted in your heart.
Each inhale gives it water,
Each exhale gives it space to grow.
See it sprouting roots,
Reaching into your belly,
Rising up towards your mind and let your whole being be nourished by this seed of wanting.
Whisper inwardly again,
I want.
See it clearly inside and feel it echo in your body.
Notice any fears that arise,
The fear of being rejected or being too much.
Breathe with the fear,
Let it be held but not in charge.
Now whisper,
It is safe to want,
My wants are welcome.
As we come toward a close for today,
Bring to mind one want that feels alive for you right now and whisper inwardly,
Thank you want for guiding me.
Take three deep breaths,
Inhaling courage,
Exhaling trust,
Courage and trust and trust.
When you're ready,
Bring movement back to your fingers and toes and slowly open your eyes.
Carry this truth with you,
Your wants are not burdens,
They're invitations to live more fully.
