Hi,
My name is Rachel and today's practice will be doing a meditation on connecting with those around us.
When our minds are constantly having thoughts and taking us away from what's actually happening right now,
It can feel a little bit isolating and we can lack connection with those around us.
So by coming back to the present moment and to what the person is sharing,
We can truly connect with those around us.
So you can take a seat in a comfortable upright position,
Beginning to take in all your surroundings.
And before naming objects,
Maybe you can just notice their patterns,
Shapes,
Colors.
And with the next out breath,
You can gently close your eyes.
Becoming aware of all the different sounds,
The sound of my voice,
The sound of your breath.
Becoming aware of any smells.
Maybe there's a taste in your mouth.
And noticing any points of touch.
How the palms of your hand feel resting on your lap.
Your thighs against the surface below.
How your clothing feels against your skin.
And how the air feels against your skin.
And starting to put your attention on the breath.
Each inhale and each exhale.
And noticing where in your body you feel the breath the most.
Notice how your body moves with each rise and each fall.
And anytime your mind wanders away,
Gently bring it back to the breath.
All human beings are connected.
We all have a body and a mind.
And even if on the outside we look different,
We're all the same on the inside.
It's our thoughts and feelings and emotions that make us think that we're different.
But as we all let that go,
We are all the same.
We are all connected.
We all have a beating heart.
We all have blood that rushes throughout our body.
We all have bones and muscles.
And if we let all the thoughts come and go,
We can notice that we can connect to those around us.
And you can silently or out loud repeat these affirmations.
I completely accept myself.
I can connect with those around me.
I have a lot to offer.
I am a great listener.
I can form deep connections.
And we'll repeat these one more time.
I completely accept myself.
I can connect with those around me.
I have a lot to offer.
I am a great listener.
I can form deep connections.
Letting yourself feel all these affirmations.
Letting them sink in.
And taking them with you throughout the rest of the day.
You can begin to slowly reconnect with the surface on which you're seated on.
Noticing how your weight falls.
If it falls evenly.
Becoming aware of where your hands are placed.
Any sounds in the room.
Any smells.
And you can start to make any small movements that feel comfortable.
And in your own time,
Whenever you feel ready to do so,
You can gently open your eyes.
Returning to all your surroundings.
Thank you so much for joining me here today.
And have a beautiful day.