From Champignyada,
I'm Colleen Thomas.
This is 10 minutes for your heart.
Today we will breathe like the lion.
Laskavo prosimo to nasho hokola.
Welcome to the circle.
Privit druzi,
Privit lubit druzi.
Slava Ukraini.
My name is Colleen and this meditation is my offering to you today.
If you're new,
Welcome.
While I love being in circle with you,
It's important for you to know that I'm not a licensed therapist.
For specialized support,
Have a look at the resources in our show notes.
And also,
Today we'll be doing some breath work,
So be safe.
Do not drive or operate machinery while you listen.
And please know that everything I suggest is an invitation.
You have the freedom to imagine or visualize any part of the meditation.
And it's entirely okay to opt in or opt out of any portion based on how you're feeling today.
Always prioritize your comfort and well-being.
Let's journey together at your own pace.
Each time we work together,
I will ask you to bring an item.
This item will help us focus our intention.
Today's item is an image of a lion.
It could be a picture from the internet,
A page from a wall calendar,
Or just an image in your mind.
As we work today,
I invite you to trust your body.
Let your body tell you what feels right.
So first,
Find a comfy spot where we can practice something called lion's breath.
This is a Hatha yoga practice which comes from Hinduism.
It can make you a bit lightheaded,
So go slowly.
And don't try it if you've recently had surgery or if you have any issues with your face,
Your neck,
Or your tongue.
Lion's breath allows us to breathe like a lion.
It looks a bit silly,
So if you're in a crowd,
You might want to just imagine it.
To do lion's breath,
You inhale through your nose,
Then open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue.
Stretch your tongue down and out as far as is comfortable.
Look up at the sky and breathe out.
It will sound something like this.
Let's do one together.
Just join in if you can,
If you want to.
If you feel dizzy,
It's fine to stop.
And it's okay to breathe in whatever way feels right to you today.
If you want,
You can do another one with me.
This is a very cleansing breath.
Feel its power.
And now let's imagine or look at our lion.
Take a moment to notice every detail.
How is the lion moving or lying?
What is the expression on its face?
Can you see its fur moving in the wind?
What is it looking at?
As you focus on it,
Notice its energy.
Notice its comfort in its own skin.
Feel its power.
What might it feel like to be this lion?
Imagine standing or moving as this lion.
Maybe resting.
Maybe walking.
Maybe running.
Feel the strength in your lion body.
Feel the strength in your lion heart.
Maybe this lion has appeared today to help you find the strength that is inside you.
Maybe strength you forgot you have.
Breathe in this lion energy and breathe out as the lion.
You can use lion's breath or just breathe in a way that feels right.
In a way that feels powerful.
Feel into this connection.
The lion is your strength.
You are this lion.
See your lion's breath.
See your power going out into the world,
Changing the world around you.
Experience being the lion.
Let this experience fill you.
Let this experience soak into your body,
Your skin.
And take one final breath as the lion and begin to return to your space.
And now rest.
Rest deeply the way a lion would rest.
Know that your breath,
Your spirit,
Is an essential blessing.
You are amazing.
You can do anything.
May we each remember how powerful and important we are in this world.
May we remember that we can breathe like a lion.
Remember to breathe today.
Breathe and expand.
And enjoy the music as you transition back into the space you are in.
Tremajtes i berezit sebe.
Slava Ukraini.
Our music was written by Ukrainian artist Audio Coffee.
It's called Hope and Peace Believe in Ukraine.
I'm Colleen Thomas.
Thanks for listening.
