For Overwhelm

This meditation and easy, simple breathwork practice is for a time when everything feels like "too much". It's for times of life when you feel like your capacity has run out. As humans, we all find ourselves at this point, and it's vital to remember that there are so many others who feel this way, too. Use this practice to come back to a space of acceptance for how you feel, a space to just stop and let yourself be. You are human, not a robot. Let's sit and breathe together.

Transcript

Ever felt like you're in a time of life where things seem so big that everything becomes this giant ball of yarn and you're not sure where to start unravelling? Or maybe it's a snowball that's grown so big that the outside has become ice and armor. If you're human, You might have answered yes, And this meditation is for you. Many times, As humans, We add on another layer called guilt or judgment. In Buddhism, This is called the second arrow. It's not enough that we feel like we might not be able to handle the situation, Or many situations lumped together, Then we feel bad about feeling this way. And guess what? This is how I've been feeling. I tell you that so that we can be together in this. So what if we start really slowly together? What if we start with just this one next breath, And now this next one. As you begin to simply breathe with this presence, Remember that you are not alone. Remember that so many others feel this way. And with this knowing, Take a deeper breath in through your nose and out your mouth. Again in through your nose, Release through the mouth. Keep it going for a few more. No need to release any particular stressor, Just releasing a fraction of what's there. Now release the audible breath, And bring the tip of your left index finger to the tip of your left thumb. And now the same with the right hand. Gently press in the tips of your fingers together, And feel your energy draw in towards your center. Feel yourself just stop. Watch your thoughts pass by, And let your emotions move like waves, And sit back in the observer seat, Calm and steady. As you breathe in and out with ease, Begin to even out your breath. Whatever count feels good to you, Maybe four and four, Three and three. Match your inhale to your exhale, And vice versa. Relax your belly, So that when you inhale, It expands, And when you exhale, It softens back. As you breathe in this way, Have the intention to bring all your energy back to yourself. No searching on the outside, Stay right here with me. Become aware of your body. And you feel into the outline of your body in this room. Awareness of where you're sitting or lying. Awareness of your muscles, Joints, Ligaments, Organs, Even your skin. Direct any tension into the earth as you relax even more. Begin to feel into your heart center, Right in the very center between the front and the back, Between left and right side body. Maybe a quiet heartbeat. Breathe in and out from here, Those easy equal breaths. On your next inhale, Breathe in peace. On your exhale, Let this peace settle into your body. Breathing in peace, Breathing out, Letting it spread throughout every corner of your being. You've been here before, So remember, Breathe on your own for just a bit more. Again, Let's stay together here. Release the breath work. Notice any shifts that may have occurred. Maybe instead of aiming to be happy, We aim to be peaceful. As this Thich Nhat Hanh said, Nothing is more important than your peace. Sitting in your calm, Steady center, Maybe in the midst of overwhelm, You bring your fingers together like this. You bring your energy back to yourself. Remember that you, All by yourself, Can breathe in peace and spread it throughout your entire body. Together with you, Let's cultivate peace within to give others permission to do the same. Thanks for breathing with me. Take care.