Hello,
My name is Ron Milward and I want to just say thank you for taking the time to be here.
I want to say thank you not for listening to me,
But thank you for taking the time for yourself.
See,
I genuinely believe that when we can take time for ourselves and when we can work to heal ourselves,
We can change the world.
I know that's a bold statement,
But if you'd stay with me for a little bit,
Maybe through this experience you might find some relief or just a little bit of freedom from your mind.
We're going to keep this simple.
We're going to be focusing on our breathing and visualizing our breath.
If at any moment you don't feel comfortable,
Just take some time to adjust.
Lean into that discomfort and learn about yourself.
Now if you're not already seated,
Take a moment to get comfortable and find a seat.
It's very important to find a comfortable position where your neck and spine are aligned for the deepest breath.
If you have a difficult time sitting on a bolster or a chair,
You can lay down,
But be sure to keep your breathing pathway open.
Start to get used to how you feel in this space.
Throughout,
Try to focus solely on your breathing and continue to breathe with me.
If you have not already and you are comfortable,
Close your eyes.
Now take a deep breath in through your nose and release it through your mouth.
Let's do that again.
Deep breath in and release.
Continue to listen to my voice throughout,
But at any moment you're not sure what to do next.
Just return to this breathing.
Just continue to breathe throughout this practice.
Now look,
As you're breathing your mind is not going to magically stop thinking.
The thoughts are there.
You're thinking about your day,
The state of the world,
A problem you currently have in your life,
Your family,
Your loved ones.
That's okay,
But I want you to continue to focus on your breath.
Breathe in,
Try to let those thoughts fall to the wayside.
And as you continue breathing slowly and deeply,
Let your attention rest gently on your breath.
Feel the movement as your breath enters and exits your body.
Each time you exhale,
Let go of any tension you feel around your body.
Relax your face,
Relax your shoulders,
Your belly,
Your legs.
Breathe.
Feel all of that tension.
Leave your body with each breath that you take.
On your next exhale,
Settle your attention to the area surrounding your heart.
I want you to focus on feelings of love,
Compassion,
Empathy,
Forgiveness,
And gratitude.
As you continue breathing,
Direct those warm feelings of love,
Empathy,
Forgiveness,
And gratitude that you extend to others so easily.
Direct them to yourself.
In this moment,
With all the love and gratitude that you feel for yourself,
I want you to soak and sit in that feeling.
Maybe that's difficult.
Maybe no one has ever told you that you are worthy of love.
Maybe the shame,
The hurt,
The fear,
The pain that you felt in your life,
The things you had to do,
The things you had to see,
Maybe they have been blocking you from experiencing that true love.
I want you to return to that breathing.
Friend,
I want you to know that you are absolutely worthy of love.
And for what you've been through,
I am so incredibly sorry.
I am so grateful for who you are.
You matter so much.
Everyone in this life has purpose,
And you are included in that.
You have so much to give to this world despite what you may have felt,
Despite where you may currently be.
Your mind may be racing,
Or maybe you can't fully understand what you are feeling,
But what matters right now is that you know there is an infinite source of untapped love and support for you right here,
Deep within yourself.
You see,
The world is not going to give that to you.
People will disappoint you.
Some may hurt you.
You must be able to deep dive within yourself to this place right here.
Give yourself that love,
The love that is here so freely to heal your pain.
In all things,
Embrace that love.
Breathe into that love and heal your heart.
