Welcome,
Love.
Find a position where your body can be fully supported,
Lying down,
Sitting comfortably or leaning against something solid,
Allowing your eyes to soften or even close.
Take a slow,
Deep breath in through your nose,
And let it go out through your mouth with a gentle sigh.
Again,
Breathing in and breathing out.
Allowing each breath to signal to your body,
You can rest now.
Begin to notice the points of contact between your body and what's holding you.
Feel the weight of your legs,
The heaviness of your arms,
The steadiness beneath your spine.
Let your shoulders drop a little more with each exhale.
Let your jaw unclench.
Invite your forehead to soften.
You do not need to hold yourself upright for anyone in this moment.
From the time we are small,
The world begins handing us roles.
Daughter,
Son,
Helper,
Student,
Later parent,
Partner,
Friend,
Co-worker,
Caretaker.
We learn how to show up in each role.
We notice what earns approval,
What keeps the peace,
What helps us fit.
These roles are not wrong.
Many are meaningful,
And some bring great joy.
And they can also be heavy,
Especially when we carry them all at once,
Without pause.
For now,
Imagine setting them down one by one.
If it feels right,
You might picture a table or a bench in front of you.
And with each breath,
Place one role there,
Not discarding it,
Just letting it rest outside of you for a little while.
Perhaps you set down the role of caretaker.
Perhaps the role of professional.
The role of peacemaker.
The role of friend who always says yes.
The role of parent with its constant watchfulness.
Notice how your body responds as each role leaves your hands.
Do your shoulders feel lighter?
Does your breath deepen?
Is there more space in your chest?
Continue until you feel only yourself remaining,
Not defined by any role,
Just you.
Now feel into this version of you.
The one who is here when no role is being performed.
The one who doesn't need to meet an expectation in this moment.
Notice the quality of your breath.
Notice the pace of your thoughts.
Notice any sensations in your body,
Warmth,
Stillness,
Even a quiet hum of energy.
Here,
There is nothing to earn,
No one to impress,
Nothing to prove,
Just your presence and the steadiness of being.
Take a few more slow breaths,
Feeling gratitude for each role you hold in your life.
They will be there when you choose to pick them up again,
But for now,
You have given yourself the gift of laying them down.
When you're ready,
Gently deepen your breath,
Wiggle your fingers and toes,
And slowly open your eyes,
Carrying with you the knowing that you can return to this resting place any time.
And as always,
Remember,
You are loved,
You are enough,
And you are whole.
