The way on wisdom of the ages flow through me.
Hello and welcome to this 15 minute rest and reset session.
This is mindfulness facilitator Jeannie Johnson.
And for these next few moments together,
We'll engage in a practice focused on gratitude.
So let's begin by getting completely comfortable in a relatively low noise environment where you can allow the eyes to rest now to more fully shift our awareness into the present moment and to intentionally engage the body's natural relaxation response.
Please take three slow,
Deep breaths with me.
With each inhale we'll hold briefly at the top and with each exhale,
Allowing the natural sighing sound to be released.
Let's begin.
Inhale,
Completely filling the lungs and hold and again,
Inhale all the way to the top and hold and once more,
Inhale and hold and completely relaxing with each breath.
Now I'm going to invite you to call to mind someone or someone's present in your life that you especially cherish and appreciate.
Maybe it's someone you find it easy to be around or someone who always seems to be there for you or maybe they were there for you just the one time when you really needed them.
Whatever the case may be,
Call them to mind and begin to warmly reflect on all the things you most appreciate about them.
We're going to pause here to just imagine holding them gently in your heart and with each full and deep breath,
Completely fill your lungs with gratitude and appreciation.
Inhale,
Completely filling the lungs and hold and inhale and and again,
Engage your imagination,
This time to form a circle of appreciation all around you.
See the one or the few that you've just held in heart.
They are now facing you a few feet in front of you.
And on either side of them,
Begin to add others that you especially appreciate or even admire.
Add others all the way around you until your circle feels complete.
These individuals may be past or present in your life.