He can.
Get into a position that is comfortable for you.
Once you're ready.
Close your eyes.
Start by taking some slow breaths in through the nose.
And out the mouth.
Again.
Breathing in.
.
.
And breathing out.
With each exhale,
Your body relaxes a little bit more.
Dropping the shoulders away from the ears.
Relaxing your jaw.
And letting yourself feel the surface you're occupying.
Now imagining you're on a balcony.
Of a magnificent medieval castle.
Looking out at the kingdom that surrounds it.
Taking in the view of the cobblestone buildings.
Hearing the rhythmic clang of a blacksmithing hammer in the distance.
You are a great protector of this kingdom.
And all those who live in it.
You are reflecting on many difficult battles you fought.
After one last look over the vast kingdom you've protected.
You slowly open the great wooden door.
And step into your private chamber.
In the reflection of the mirror.
You see yourself fully dressed in armor.
You have fought many hard battles and protected the people with much bravery.
You begin to take off your armor.
As each piece comes off,
Feeling the weight of your day coming off with it.
Starting with the helmet.
Taking a breath of fresh air.
Letting go of any overthinking or worrying.
Removing the gauntlets next.
Feeling into your hands.
Appreciating all the hard work they were used for.
And then letting that go as well.
You unfasten the breastplate.
And slowly lift it from your chest and shoulders.
As its weight leaves your body.
You notice the stress you've been carrying lifting as well.
Finally.
Removing the chainmail until it's just your shirt and pants.
You realize that even the strongest protectors need moments of rest.
Taking a deep breath in and exhaling with a big sigh.
Huh.
Putting go of any other stressful situations.
Or heaviness that has been weighing you down.
In this moment.
You can feel the pressure lift as you sit with yourself and say in your head or out loud.
I release the armor of perfection.
It is safe to ask for aid.
And allow others to help me carry my burdens.
Every setback offers a chance to pause and think.
And forge a wiser path forward.
My value is not measured by external battles,
Won or lost.
But by the integrity of my daily choices.
You walk back out on the balcony.
Watching the sun set over the kingdom.
Allowing yourself to acknowledge all you've carried and overcome.
The ways that you show up for yourself.
And others.
Even when it's difficult.
For the times you won the battle.
And for the times you lost.
But remained resilient.
Letting yourself feel the depths of your emotions and who you are at your core.
Even when it's uncomfortable.
Because who you are underneath the armor.
Underneath every expectation.
Underneath every responsibility you've carried.
Is simply you.
And that is what makes The Bravest Knight.
The final rays of sun illuminating the sky.
You feel the warmth across your skin.
The night remains part of you.
And you can put the armor back on when it's needed.
But for now.
.
.
You no longer need to carry its weight.
It's time to come back to yourself.
Wiggling your fingers and toes.
Feeling into the space around you when you're ready.
Blinking open your eyes.
Thank you for taking this time for you.
And take as long as you need getting up.
