If you are listening to this meditation there is a good chance that your body is asking for something from you right now.
Maybe it's asking for rest,
For gentleness.
Maybe it's asking to be heard.
Before we do anything else.
I want to acknowledge the pain that you might be in right now.
I know firsthand how difficult it can be living with chronic pain.
I understand how exhausting it is to wake up and wonder what kind of day your body will allow you to have.
I know the frustration of having to explain yourself and your pain to others.
The grief of missing out on things.
The loneliness of carrying something that other people can't always see.
Chronic pain is not just a sensation in the body,
It touches every part of our lives.
And here in this space you don't need to pretend to be grateful.
You don't need to find a lesson.
In this moment Right now we just need to become present with ourselves.
Right now,
You only need to be here.
With yourself.
Exactly as you are.
If it feels comfortable to do so,
I'd like to start by taking a gentle breath in.
And trying for a slow breath out.
Again,
In.
.
.
And out.
And when you're exhaling.
And when you're exhaling.
Letting go of just a tiny layer of tension.
Not all of it.
Just a little bit.
Are softening.
And in this softening finding a moment of kindness to yourself With these gentle exhales,
With this gentle release of tension.
You're letting your body know,
I am listening.
I am here.
I am not abandoning you.
And bringing your awareness to whatever your body is being supported by right now.
Maybe it's the bed,
The chair or the floor.
Noticing that you do not have to hold yourself up completely at this moment.
You're allowed to be supported.
And held.
Maybe placing a hand gently somewhere on your body that feels comforting for you.
And if touch doesn't feel right today,
Simply imagining a warm,
Compassionate presence beside you.
A presence that does not ask you to change.
Does not judge your pain.
A presence that simply says.
I know this is hard.
I know you are tired.
You do not have to go through this moment alone.
Now gently bringing your attention to the parts of your body that are hurting.
Not to analyze them,
Not to fight them.
Not to demand that they disappear.
But just to acknowledge them.
Just as you would acknowledge someone you love who is struggling.
You might say,
I see you.
I know you are trying to protect me.
I know you have been carrying so much.
Your body is not your enemy.
Even when it feels impossible.
Even when it feels frustrating.
Even when you feel angry.
Your body has been doing its best to communicate with you.
And today instead of pushing it away.
You are offering it compassion.
Presence.
And acknowledgement.
And in your mind's eye.
Imagining.
A soft,
Comforting blanket of warmth.
That wraps you.
That holds you in this moment in a cocoon.
Of support.
When you feel the weight.
Of this blanket.
You feel these messages move through your consciousness.
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to slow down.
You are allowed to have needs.
You are worthy of care.
Even on the days when your body feels difficult.
Allow your breathing to come a little softer.
With every inhale,
Calling in patience.
With every exhale releasing the pressure to be anything other than exactly who you are.
You do not need to be productive right now.
You do not need to prove that you are trying hard enough.
You do not need to un-rest.
Rest is something you deserve simply because you are a living being.
If your pain is still feeling very present.
That's okay.
This meditation is not asking for your pain to disappear.
You're not failing if you feel discomfort.
Sometimes healing can begin not when the pain leaves us.
But when we stop running from it.
And also when we know that we aren't facing it alone.
So for the next few moments.
.
.
Imagining a pain-free version of yourself sitting beside you.
You as you are who has been hurting,
Who has pushed through so much.
And this pain-free version of yourself offers the words that you need to hear right now.
Maybe they express that they're proud of you.
Maybe they say they're sorry that you have to carry so much.
Just stay here for a moment with them.
Wrapped in your blanket of comfort.
Being held and cared for and listened to.
Your body is allowed to take up space.
Your pain is allowed to be acknowledged.
Your needs matter.
And even in this moment,
Even in the midst of discomfort.
You are still worthy of love.
And tenderness.
You might have reached a gentle place of rest here.
So please continue to do so for as long as you need.
Knowing that you've shown yourself compassion today.
Knowing that you have been there for yourself.
You do not have to fight.
You are held.
You are supported.
You are not alone.
