Hello and welcome to this meditation on change and acceptance.
Two words that may sometimes seem conflicting.
Our human minds are constantly predicting the future and change can be really hard for us.
Even something simple like hearing the dryer buzz when you're watching TV can be jarring.
One minute you're relaxing,
The next you're up and folding laundry.
Considering how small that change in plans is,
It's understandable that changes like career change,
Graduation from school or transition into a new grade level,
Change in relationship status or changes in your home life can bring about big emotions.
Today we'll practice acceptance without minimizing these uncomfortable emotions and I'm here to support you all along the way.
So to begin,
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Shift your focus to the present moment,
The here and now.
Take a moment to simply observe your breath,
Noticing the inhales and exhales as they come and go.
As you breathe,
Allow yourself to fully experience the sensations in your body and the thoughts passing through your mind without judgment or resistance.
Let go of any expectation or desire for how things should be during this moment.
Practice accepting the present moment as it is with all its uncertainties and emotions.
Remind yourself that change is a natural part of life and it's okay to feel a wide range of emotions during these transitions.
Embrace the notion that acceptance doesn't mean denying or suppressing these feelings but rather acknowledging them and allowing them to be present without resistance.
It's important to remember that the presence of an uncomfortable emotion like anxiety doesn't mean that you were doing anything wrong.
Be curious and wonder what that emotion is trying to tell you and maybe even wonder if that emotion is telling you the whole truth.
Maybe it's just part of the story.
Our brains over-focus on danger,
Problems,
Anxiety,
And so it's important that that voice is present but it doesn't mean that you're doing anything wrong and it probably isn't even the only emotion there.
With each breath,
Bring a sense of curiosity and openness to the present moment.
Notice any resistance or struggle that arises within you and gently let it go.
Cultivate a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards yourself and your experiences.
Take a moment to slow down and envision a warm light enveloping you,
Feeling a sense of warmth and support as you shift away from judgment towards acceptance.
Trust that by accepting the present moment as it is,
You can find the inner peace and support you need to navigate this transition.
Take your time to sit with this acceptance,
Breathing in and out,
Embracing each moment as it unfolds.
Allow yourself to be fully present and fully aware of the present moment.
Allow yourself to be present and accepting of whatever arises.
It may be an emotion like anxiety that brings with it some discomfort.
However,
Remember it doesn't have to throw you off track.
We can simply welcome anxiety in,
Let it know that it's heard,
And return to the present moment.
Acceptance is a practice and it takes time and patience.
Please be gentle with yourself as you cultivate this quality,
Knowing that it can bring you a deeper sense of peace and resilience during times of transition.
Remember this meditation is a tool for you to connect with your inner strength and find acceptance during times of transition.
Come back to this meditation or others around acceptance regularly,
And allow yourself the time and space to honor your emotions and nurture yourself through this transformative period.
Return to the sensation of your breath coming in and out.
The weight of your body in its chair.
Gradually bring your awareness back to the room.
And gently,
If your eyes were closed,
Go ahead and open them now.
And do your best to carry this sense of acceptance with you as you continue your day.
Thank you so much for joining me today.
I wish you all the best with whatever the transition is that you're going through.