Inner power,
We toss that term around so easily,
Words,
But when words become manifest in our bodies,
They take on a life of their own.
So how do we take those words that live in our heads and sink them deep into the body?
It's a big question.
It's one I've struggled with myself.
I do know that it begins with intention.
And by recognizing that we don't always have agency or power over our lives,
That acknowledgement is the first step to gaining it.
We also need to take action,
Action on something that has deep meaning to us.
As we meditate,
We can locate this power deep inside of us,
And we can take that seed,
Nurture it and help it to grow and bloom.
So let's practice that together right now.
Find a comfortable seat.
I suggest sitting up so the spine can be tall and that it has some room to lengthen,
But if that doesn't work for you,
That's fine.
Just close your eyes or lower your gaze and start to follow your breath.
Notice the rise and fall of the chest and the belly.
There is power in that in and of itself.
Just start to come into this moment.
Start to scan your body from the top of your head to your face,
Feeling those tiny muscles.
Let them loosen.
Let your shoulders drop.
Bring your attention to your chest,
Your heart center.
Feel it soft,
Open,
Receptive.
You might even place a hand here,
Feeling the rise and fall,
The cooler air as it enters your body and then watch it as it sinks into the belly,
Expanding,
Hips loosening,
Legs,
Feet,
The feet that carry us forward into our lives.
Now,
Bring to mind something that you have been wanting to do for a long time.
Something keeps holding you back.
It could be fear,
Fear of what others may think,
Fear of failing.
Fear of not being enough.
Now,
See that,
Whatever you're feeling,
See it flipped around and visualize yourself moving forward,
Taking action one step at a time,
Not rushing forward,
But moving with alignment,
With focus,
With trust in yourself.
Can you feel that in your body?
Breathe it in.
It's inspired action.
It's moving you forward in your life.
It's growing your own internal strength.
And just stay with this for a few moments.
And let that breath continue to fall deeply into the belly.
And as you sit with this feeling,
This knowing,
That you can and you will take these steps,
A step that will make visible your desire to own your power.
Feel it all,
The anticipation,
The hesitancy,
But still moving forward,
Always moving forward.
Feel that inner validation,
The satisfaction of completing something for you.
Just for you.
Because this is not for the world.
It's not a performance.
And as you do this,
You are strengthening a new identity for yourself.
An identity of a person who respects and owns their inner power.
Now,
As we start to come to a close,
Stay with that belly breath.
Feel it deep,
Full,
And expansive.
And as you move forward,
Taking steps,
Taking action,
Know that that breath is always there to return to.
When you feel fear,
Hesitation,
Or doubt,
Simply breathe.
Breathe into your power center.
Keep going.
Keep going.
