Gift Of Life

A gentle meditation on the precious gift of the breath.

This meditation is shared as a companion for presence and awareness. You're invited to listen and notice what unfolds, without pressure or expectation.

~ A Gentler Way ~

© Tarja Moles

Image: LuaAr | DepositPhotos

Transcript

Here we are. We can let the body settle. In whatever way feels comfortable. Sitting. Reclining or lying down. We can listen to the body. And let it find an easy way of being here. We're not forcing anything. The settling can happen gradually. In its own time. The eyes can be open. Or close. Whichever feels right. We might let the eyes soften. And also the face. The jaw, The shoulders. The hands can rest wherever they happen to be. We are now going to turn our attention to something we don't necessarily notice that often. The breath. We're not going to do any breathing exercises. Or change it. In any way. We're not making it any deeper. Or slower. Or smooth. We're just sensing. But breathing. Is happening. On its own. We might notice where breathing is felt most clearly. Maybe at the nostrils cool on the way in. A little warmer. On the way out. May be in the chest. Rising. And settling. Maybe lower. In the belly. Softening and releasing. Wherever it is, We can let our attention rest there. We can notice the rhythm of our breath. In a small pause. Another small pause. In again. The breath moving in its own rhythm. We're not doing anything. The breath is moving by itself. Much like the heart. Beating on its own. Without us making it do anything. We might stay with the breath a little longer. Sensing the next breath. Coming. And going. And noticing. This is happening for us. Without any effort. From our part. Maybe we can let a quiet appreciation rise alongside the breath. If it wants to. As we are sensing the breath. However it's moving right now. We might say thank you. To each in-breath that arrives. Or we might place our hand on the chest. With a sense of gratitude. We can continue to tune into the aliveness. That comes with each breath. And our appreciation can be as subtle or as full. As it wants to. We might gently wander. What is it like? To notice this breath. Happening on its own. As a gift of life. And now. Awareness can begin to widen again. Noticing any sounds nearby. Coming and going. The same way the breath does. Noticing the air itself. Its temperature against the skin. There's no hurry. When it feels right. Fingers or the toes might move a little bit. And if the eyes have been closed they can open in their own time. Taking in what's around. As we continue. With the rest of the day. Perhaps this can stay with us. That something as ordinary as breathing. Is also a gift. And we can connect. With this gift of life. And sense of aliveness. Anytime we want. Again. And again. And from here we can continue. In a gentler way.