Meditation For Leaving Work Behind: Ancient China

Take some quiet time in ancient China, 1,300 years ago, at autumn dusk in Tang-dynasty Chang’an. You leave your unfinished work and papers neatly on your desk. Then you walk home beneath yellow leaves as wild geese fly south and the evening drums begin. When thoughts of work follow you, you notice them and let them rest until tomorrow.
You set aside your office belt and robe and settle into a warm, herb-scented bath. Your body rests as you look out over the still pond and falling willow leaves, and your mind slowly settles.
Later, on the lantern-lit walkway, an old teaching from the Tao Te Ching reminds you that when the work is done, it is time to step back. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.
Take a slow breath, and let this evening belong to you.

Transcript

This is Sue. Inviting you. Into a quiet autumn evening in ancient china A few minutes to leave the day behind. Let and finish things way till tomorrow. And come home to the quieter part of your life. Fine E. Comfortable position. Let your hands rest. And gently close your eyes. Take a slow deep breath in through your nose. And breathe out. Once more, Breathing in, And breathe out. Let your shoulders settle. You may still be thinking about that day. There is no need to push those thoughts away. Let your attention settle here with your breath. Imagine that you are in Chang'an. The capital of the Tang dynasty. 1300 years ago You serve as an official in the imperial city. It has been a long and demanding day. Some things are still waiting on your desk. As evening draws near. You arrange the unfinished tasks and papers. In a neat pile. Ready for tomorrow. You lay down your writing brush and leave the office. For today. You have done what you can. The autumn air is cool against your face as you walk home. High above the rooftop Wagi's flies out In the distance, The evening drums of Chang'an sound. Soon, The ward gates will close. The city is drawing its days to an end. You may do the same. You reach home before the gates close and step through the timber gate. A lantern has already been lit in the courtyard. You cross the courtyard. To the small bathing room. Inside, A deep wooden tub stands ready. With fragrant herbs steeping in the warm water. Soft steam rises towards the dark timber beams. A folded cloth and a clean loose rope are waiting on a stand nearby. One by one, You take off the clothes you wore today. First, Your official belt. Than the outer robe you have worn through the long hours at your desk. You fold it and put it down. Slowly you step into the warm water. Feel the warmth around your feet and ankles. Then settle into the top. The warmth resting gently all around you. Notice your legs beginning to soften. Your shoulders, Which have carried small tensions of the day. Can sink a little lower. Let your hands rest in the water. Feel the warmth around your fingers. For a while, Simply stay here. Perhaps a thought from the dear returns. Watch the steam rising from the water. It gets us for a moment in the warm air. And then thins and disappears. Let the thought pass in the same gentle way. If another thought comes, That's alright too. You are not trying to empty your mind. Your body can rest here. In this warm and quiet room. Even while the mind takes its own time to settle. Bring your attention back to the water. To the warmth against your skin. To the soft sound of the water moving a little as you breathe. Let your forehead grow smooth. Let your jaw and the muscles of your neck soften. Take another deep breath in. And let it go. Beside the top, A wooden window stands open. Letting in the cool autumn air. Through it, You can see the still porn. Yellow leaf resting along its edge. And a few autumn flowers beneath the willow trees. The warm water. The cool air. And the quiet garden. Remind you that The day walk is over. And you are home. This is your favorite part of the evening. As you rest in the warm water, Looking out at the quiet garden, And all teaching comes gently to mind. Lao Tzu a Chinese philosopher from the spring and autumn period about 2, 500 years ago taught in chapter 9 of talk to jinn that when the work is done. It is time to step back. It is a reminder not to hold too tightly to success or position. This evening, It offers a quieter thought. There is a time to give your attention to your walk. And a time to let it rest. Returning to the simple pleasures of your own life. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Stay in the warm water for a few more quiet moments. Looking out over the pond The evening ahead is yours. Perhaps later, There will be a meal. If every book The evening ahead is yours. Perhaps, Later, There will be a meal. Ify report. Or quality time with someone you care. For now, Simply enjoy these last few moments in the bath. Now, Let the bathing room and the quiet garden gently fade. Feel the surface beneath you. Take a slow breath in. And breathe out. Let a little movement come into your fingers and toes. When you are ready, Gently open your eyes. May the rest of your evening bring you peace. With time for the little things that bring you joy. This evening belongs to you.